Intracerebral Hemorrhage Admissions Research Articles

Abstract WP173: Major ABO Incompatible Platelet Transfusion is Associated With Ischemic Lesions on Brain MRI of Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: We identified that major ABO incompatible platelet transfusions are associated with poor intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outcomes, yet the driver for this relationship is unknown and does not appear to be related to impaired hemostasis. Conversely, acute ICH patients are known to develop remote ischemic lesions on brain MRI. These ischemic lesions are associated with poor ICH outcomes, but risk factors for their formation are unknown. We explored whether major ABO incompatible platelet transfusions are associated with these ischemic lesions. Methods: Consecutive spontaneous ICH patients enrolled into a single-center, prospective cohort study between 2009 and 2016 were assessed. Patients receiving an acute, single platelet transfusion within 24 h of admission and a brain MRI during their ICH admission were included. Major ABO incompatible platelet transfusion was the exposure. The presence of ischemic lesions on brain MRI, defined as diffusion restriction >10 mm away from the hematoma was the outcome. Regression models assessed relationships between major ABO-incompatible platelets and ischemic lesions, adjusting for ICH severity and time to MRI. Results: Of 40 ICH patients with an acute platelet transfusion and MRI, the mean age was 67.1 (SD 14.1), 37.5% were female, and 20% received a major ABO incompatible platelet unit. Patients receiving a major incompatible platelet unit were more likely to have ischemic lesions (62.5% vs 21.9%), and there continued to be an association of major ABO-incompatible platelets units with these lesions after adjusting for time to MRI (OR 5.45, 95%CI 1.01-29.30, p=0.04) and ICH score (OR 9.15, 95%CI 1.37-62.67, p=0.02). Sensitivity analyses adjusting for patient blood type did not alter this relationship (OR 17.08, 95%CI 1.34-217.94, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Major ABO incompatible platelet units were associated with remote ischemic DWI lesions. Further work is needed to address the generalizability of our data and to clarify relationships of platelet unit characteristics, cerebral ischemia, and clinical outcomes after ICH.

Abstract TP152: Systolic Blood Pressure Variability Characteristics Increase With Severity Among Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patients

Introduction: Selected studies link high systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) to poor patient outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). SBPV levels during real-world ICH admission remain unknown, however. We profile SBPV across ICH patient characteristics. Methods: Clinical data for adult patients (≥18) with primary non-traumatic ICH were retrieved from the electronic medical records. Patient SBPV was calculated as the Coefficient of Variation (CV; CV = (Standard Deviation/Mean)*100) during the first 24 hours of admission and across whole hospitalization. Hemorrhage characteristics and cerebral small vessel disease burden (CSVD; STRIVE 2.0 criteria) were assessed from neuroimaging during admission. Severe CSVD was assessed at summary scores ≥3. Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA) was graded via Modified Boston Criteria. Descriptive statistics are provided for SBPV during first 24 hours of admission and whole-stay. Population differences are assessed using Mann Whitney Rank Sum and Kruskal Wallis tests of hypothesis. Results: Patient cohort included 2,020 primary ICH patients (median age: 67, IQR: [55-77]; 45.2% female), with an ethno-racial distribution of 43.6% White, 23.3% Black, 22.5% Hispanic, 8.2% Asian, and 2.5% Other. Median hemorrhage volume was 12.1 [1.9-36.3] cm 3 ; SBPVs over the first 24-hours and whole-stay were 12.6 [9.9-16.2] (Mean: 13.7; Skewness: 1.9; Kurtosis; 11.3) and 12.5 [10.7-15.0] (Mean: 13.4; Skewness: 3.05; Kurtosis; 21.3), respectively. SBPV significantly increased with female sex, worsening discharge disposition, increasing Glasgow Coma Scale severity, hemorrhage volume, intraventricular hemorrhage presence, and severe CSVD. Increasing CAA tiers showed reductions in SBPV. (Figure 1) Discussion: Levels of SBPV during ICH vary across patient characteristics and are elevated in those with more severe hemorrhage characteristics and worse hospital outcomes.

ABO-Incompatible Platelet Transfusion Is Associated with Ischemic Lesions on Brain MRI in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: We have identified that major ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions are associated with poor intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outcomes. The underlying drivers for the relationship of these incompatible platelet units on outcome are unknown, yet do not appear to be related to impaired hemostasis. Conversely, ICH patients are known to encounter remote, “silent” ischemic lesions, thought to be from microthrombosis, during their hospitalization. Though these ischemic lesions are well known to associate with poor ICH outcomes, risk factors for its formation are unknown. We explored whether major ABO-incompatible platelet transfusions are associated with acute ischemic lesions on brain MRI during an ICH hospitalization. Methods: Consecutive spontaneous ICH patients enrolled into a single-center, prospective cohort study between 2009 and 2018 were assessed. Patients who received a single platelet transfusion within 24 hours of ICH admission and had a brain MRI during the hospitalization were included in the analysis. Major ABO incompatible platelet transfusion (vs minor mismatch/identical) was defined as the exposure. Presence of remote ischemic lesions, defined as diffusion restriction >10 mm away from the hematoma detected on brain MRI, was the outcome. Regression models were used to assess relationships between major ABO-incompatible platelet unit exposure and acute ischemic brain lesions, adjusting for time from ICH onset to MRI or ICH severity. Results: We identified 40 ICH patients receiving an acute platelet transfusion and having a brain MRI performed during the ICH hospitalization. The mean age was 67.1 (SD 14.1), 37.5% were female, and 20% received a major ABO incompatible platelet unit. Patients receiving a major incompatible platelet unit were more likely to encounter ischemic lesions (62.5% vs 21.9%). We also identified an association of major ABO-incompatible platelets units with acute ischemic brain lesions in our regression models after adjusting for time from ICH symptom onset to MRI (OR 5.45, 95%CI 1.01-29.30, p=0.048) and ICH severity (OR 9.15, 95%CI 1.37-62.67, p=0.024). Additional sensitivity analysis adjusting for patient blood type did not alter this relationship (OR 17.1, 95%CI 1.34-217.9, p = 0.029). Conclusions: Among ICH patients receiving acute platelet transfusions and MRI neuroimaging, major ABO incompatible units were associated with remote ischemic lesions on brain MRI. Further work is needed to address the generalizability of our data and to clarify relationships of platelet unit characteristics, cerebral microthrombosis, and clinical outcomes after ICH.

The day after intracerebral hemorrhage: platelet mass index as predictor of survival—a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Platelets are implicated in the pathophysiology of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Platelet count (PLT) is affected by platelet loss, while mean platelet volume (MPV) by platelet replenishment. Whether platelet mass index (PMI), the product of PLT and MPV, might predict survival after ICH, remains unknown. Methods All first-ever ICH patients, admitted to Xanthi General Hospital between January 2018 and May 2020 and met eligibility criteria, were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Demographics, medical record, first-symptom-to-admission time, vital signs, modified Rankin Scale, ICH score, arterial blood gas test, complete blood count, blood biochemistry, and CT scan test were collected for each patient. PMI values on day 1 (admission; PMI1), day 2 (PMI2), and day 7 (PMI7), along with PLT, MPV, platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR), were evaluated as potential predictors of 12-month survival using Repeated Measures General Linear Model. Binary discretization of predictors was based on optimal scaling and evaluated using binary regression. Results From 59 patients enrolled (aged 75.7 ± 12.0 years; 31 females), 29 were still alive 12 months after ICH. Age, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin level (Hb), and oxygen saturation (O2Sat) were correlated with 12-month survival. After adjustment for these parameters, PMI1 and PMI2 were independently correlated with 12-month survival (P = 0.048 and P = 0.004, respectively), while PMI7 was not (P = 0.332). PMI2 ≥ 2,400 fL/μL was best to discriminate survivors from non-survivors (age, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Hb, and O2Sat adjusted OR 0.123 with 95% CI: 0.023–0.694; P = 0.018). Conclusions PMI within the first day after admission for ICH might be used as early predictors of survival. Properly designed prospective studies are needed to further evaluate their contribution as such.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease on Hemodialysis (P6-5.007)

<h3>Objective:</h3> To investigate the clinical features and outcome of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. <h3>Background:</h3> Patients with ESRD on hemodialysis may have labile blood pressure (BP), with elevated BP prior to hemodialysis and hypotension post hemodialysis. The clinical characteristics and outcome of ICH in dialysis patients are not well defined. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> This is a single center cohort study. All ICH admissions at University of California, Irvine Medical Center from January 1, 2018 to July 31, 2022 were screened. Patients with ESRD on hemodialysis were selected for this study. <h3>Results:</h3> Among 449 ICH admissions during the study period, 27 patients (6.0%) were identified to have ESRD on hemodialysis. The average age of these patients was 51.5±19.1 and 63.0% of them were male. All patients had a history of hypertension and elevated systolic BP at initial presentation (202.8±35.9). 81.5% of patients had a history of diabetes mellitus while 51.9% had dyslipidemia. The most common ICH location was subcortical (40.7%). The average ICH score was 1.56±1.45. Their average ICU and hospital length of stay were 3±1.4 and 9.5±10.6, respectively. The mortality rate at hospital discharge was 22.2%. Multivariate regression analysis showed that mortality rate was independently associated with an ICH score greater than or equal to 3 (OR=34.1, 95% CI 1.45–802.58, p=0.03). <h3>Conclusions:</h3> ICH in patients with ESRD on hemodialysis portends 22.2% mortality rate at hospital discharge. ICH score greater than or equal to 3 was found to be an independent predictor of poor outcome. In order to evaluate the clinical relevance of such findings, further studies comparing these to non-ESRD patients is warranted. <b>Disclosure:</b> Mr. Tsutsumi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Nagamine has nothing to disclose. Dr. Chou has nothing to disclose. Dana Stradling has nothing to disclose. Mrs. Dench has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yu has nothing to disclose.

International beliefs and head positioning practices in patients with spontaneous hyperacute intracerebral hemorrhage

Prior to the conduct of the Head Position in Stroke Trial (HeadPoST), an international survey (n = 128) revealed equipoise for selection of head position in acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to determine whether equipoise exists for head position in spontaneous hyperacute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients following HeadPoST. This is an international, web-distributed survey focused on head positioning in hyperacute ICH patients. A survey was constructed to examine clinicians' beliefs and practices associated with head positioning of hyperacute ICH patients. Survey items were developed with content experts, piloted, and then refined before distributing through stroke listservs, social media, and purposive snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ2 test. We received 181 responses representing 13 countries on four continents: 38% advanced practice providers, 32% bedside nurses, and 30% physicians; overall, participants had median 7 [interquartile range (IQR) = 3-12] years stroke experience with a median of 100 (IQR = 37.5-200) ICH admissions managed annually. Participants disagreed that HeadPoST provided 'definitive evidence' for head position in ICH and agreed that their 'written admission orders include 30-degree head positioning', with 54% citing hospital policies for this head position in hyperacute ICH. Participants were unsure whether head positioning alone could influence ICH longitudinal outcomes. Use of serial proximal clinical and technology measures during the head positioning intervention were identified by 82% as the most appropriate endpoints for future ICH head positioning trials. Interdisciplinary providers remain unconvinced by HeadPoST results that head position does not matter in hyperacute ICH. Future trials examining the proximal effects of head positioning on clinical stability in hyperacute ICH are warranted.

Extreme temperature increases the severity of intracerebral hemorrhage: An analysis based on the cold region of China

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to find a suitable model to evaluate the relationship between temperature and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and explore the effects of cold spells and heat waves on the clinicopathological parameters of ICH patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective study based on the ICH admission in the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from 2015 to 2020 (N = 11 124). The relationship between different seasons and the number of patients with ICH was explored. Poisson Akaike information criterion (AIC) was used to select the optimal model for temperature and ICH. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between extreme temperatures and clinicopathological features. Results Hospital admissions for patients with ICH showed monthly changes. The optimal cold spell was defined as the daily average temperature &lt; 3rd percentile, lasting for five days, while the optimal heat wave was defined as the daily average temperature &gt;97th percentile, lasting for three days. Based on the generalized extreme weather model, cold climate significantly increased the risk of hematoma volume expansion (OR 1.003; 95% CI: 1.000–1.005, P = 0.047). In the optimal model, the occurrence of cold spells and heat waves increased the risk of midline shift in both conditions (OR 1.067; 95% CI: 1.021–1.115, P = 0.004; OR 1.077; 95% CI: 1.030–1.127, P = 0.001). Conclusion Our study shows that seasonal cold spells and heat waves are essential factors affecting ICH severity, and targeted preventive measures should be taken to minimize the pathological impacts.

Variability in Intensive Care Utilization for Intracerebral Hemorrhage in the United States: Retrospective Cohort Study

ObjectivesThere are urban-rural geographic health disparities in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outcomes. However, there is limited data regarding the relationship between intensive care (ICU) availability and ICH outcomes. We examined whether ICU availability was a significant contributor to ICH outcomes by US geographic region. Materials and methodsWe used de-identified Medicare inpatient datasets from January 2016 to December 2019 and identified all index ICH admissions, stratifying by ICU care received during the hospitalization. Distributions of teaching hospital status, quartile of ICH volume, hospital urban-rural designation, and ICU availability were obtained using chi-square test. Propensity-score matching was utilized to compare outcomes of more favorable outcome, inpatient mortality, and 30-day all-cause readmissions by ICU availability at each hospital. ResultsOut of a total of 119,891 hospitalizations for ICH, 66,306 (55.3%) received ICU-level care. Of hospitals that treated at least one ICH, 42.6% did not provide ICU level care for any ICH admission during the study period. Teaching hospitals (48.0% vs 7.0%; p<0.0001), hospitals with higher ICH case volumes (p<0.0001) and in larger metropolitan areas (p<0.0001) were more likely to have an ICU available. Propensity score-matched models showed that hospital ICU availability was associated with a lower likelihood of inpatient mortality (29.4% vs 33.7%; p=0.0016) ConclusionsRural-urban disparities in ICH outcomes are likely multifactorial, but ICU availability likely contributes to the disparity. Additional studies are necessary to elucidate other contributing mechanisms.

Association of Long-term Statin Use With the Risk of Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Danish Nationwide Case-Control Study.

A causal relationship between long-term statin use and the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains uncertain. We investigated the association with statin use before hospital admission for ICH in a Danish population-based, nationwide case-control study. We used the Danish Stroke Registry to identify all patients aged 45 years or older with a first-ever ICH between 2005 and 2018. Patients with ICH were matched for age, sex, and calendar year to controls selected from the general population. A medication registry with information on all dispensed prescriptions at community pharmacies in Denmark since 1995 was used to ascertain previous statin exposure that was classified for recency, duration, and intensity. Using conditional regression and adjusting for potential confounders, we calculated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and corresponding 95% CIs for the risk of ICH. The study population consisted of 16,235 patients with ICH and 640,943 controls. Current statin use (cases 25.9% vs controls 24.5%; aOR 0.74, 95% CI, 0.71-0.78) and a longer duration of current statin use (<1 year: aOR 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81-0.92; ≥1 to <5 years: aOR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.68-0.76; ≥5 to <10 years: aOR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.60-0.71; ≥10 years of use, 0.53; 95% CI 0.45-0.62; p for trend <0.001) were associated with a lower risk of ICH. Similar treatment duration relationships were found in analyses stratified by statin use intensity (high-intensity therapy: <1 year of use: aOR 0.78; 95% CI, 0.66-0.93; ≥10 years of use: aOR 0.46; 95% CI 0.33-0.65; p for trend 0.001). We found that a longer duration of statin use was associated with a lower risk of ICH. This study provides Class II evidence that current statin use and a longer duration of statin use are each associated with a lower risk of ICH.

The burden and risks factors for intracerebral hemorrhage in a Southeast Asian population

ObjectiveThe characteristics of intracerebral hemorrhage in Southeast Asian countries are insufficiently represented in the literature despite a large proportion of new stroke cases and deaths. This study aims to report the epidemiological and clinical presentation of intracerebral hemorrhage in Brunei Darussalam and investigate its incidence according to sex and age, as well as in relation to clinical presentation, radiological findings, and prognostic factors. MethodsThis retrospective study of intracerebral hemorrhage admissions was conducted from 1 January 2016–31 December 2019. Crude incidence rates were calculated by age and sex. Patient characteristics/demographics, mortality and functional outcomes were analyzed. Multivariate Cox regression models were used for investigating predictors of mortality. ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 255 patients (median age, 52 years); most were men (64.3% [164/255]) and had hypertension (76.9% [196/255]). The annual incidence rate was 14.6 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval, 12.9–16.5), and incidence rates were higher in men than in women for all age groups. A 7-day and 30-day mortality rate of 22.7% and 31.4%, respectively, was reported. Increased 30-day mortality was associated with patients on dialysis, diabetes mellitus, Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 8, bilateral dilated pupils, higher international normalized ratio, hematoma in the cerebellum or brainstem, hematoma volume, and presence of intraventricular hematoma. ConclusionsThis study provided insight into several aspects of the burden of intracerebral hemorrhage in Brunei Darussalam where an increasing incidence trend in men was observed. Intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with significant mortality and severe disability, and hypertension remains a significant risk factor.

Neurophysiological Examinations as Adjunctive Tool to Imaging Techniques in Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: IRONHEART Study.

Introduction: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating disease, which may lead to severe disability or even death. Although many factors may influence the outcome, neurophysiological examinations might also play a role in its course. Our aim was to examine whether the findings of electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can predict the prognosis of these patients.Methods: Between June 1 2017 and June 15 2021, 116 consecutive patients with ICH were enrolled prospectively in our observational study. Clinical examinations and non-Contrast computed tomography (NCCT) scan were done on admission for ICH; follow-up NCCT scans were taken at 14 ± 2 days and at 3 months ± 7 days after stroke onset. EEG and TMS examinations were also carried out.Results: Of the patients in the study, 65.5% were male, and the mean age of the study population was 70 years. Most patients had a history of hypertension, 50.8% of whom had been untreated. In almost 20% of the cases, excessive hypertension was measured on admission, accompanied with >10 mmol/L blood glucose level, whereas their Glasgow Coma Scale was 12 on average. Presence of blood in the ventricles or subarachnoid space and high blood and perihematomal volumes meant poor prognosis. Pathological EEG was prognostic of a worse outcome. With TMS examination at 14 days, it might be possible to estimate outcome in a univariate model and the absence, or reduction of the amplitude of the motor evoked potentials was associated with poor prognosis.Conclusion: Together with the clinical symptoms, the volume of bleeding, perihematomal edema (or their combined volume), and neurophysiological examinations like EEG and TMS play an important role in the neurological outcome of patients with ICH. This might affect the patients' rehabilitation plans in the future, since with the help of the examinations the subset of patients with potential for recovery could be identified.

Association of Statins With Functional Outcome and 30-Day Mortality in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

AimThe effect of statins is well established in cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases. However, its impact on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unclear. We aim to identify an association of pre-ICH statin treatment and statin use during admission for ICH with functional outcome at discharge and 30-day mortality.Material and methodsA retrospective cohort study was held in patients with ICH admitted to our stroke unit over a year period. Demographic characteristics, risk factors and cardiovascular diseases, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS), systolic blood pressure (SBP) at admission, cholesterol levels and radiologic findings were analyzed to explore the association between pre-ICH and inpatient statin use with outcomes. The primary endpoint was functional outcome defined as modified Rankin Score (mRS) at discharge and 30-day mortality. We performed a univariate analysis and the variables with statistical significance were included in a multivariate analysis to control for confounding covariates.ResultsThe study included 78 patients, 33 (42.31%) had previous statin intake history, of which 13 (39.39%) maintained statin intake during hospitalization. Regarding functional outcome we did not report a statistically significant difference between groups. In the “pre-ICH statin use” group a decreased 30-day mortality (6.06%, p = 0.009) was observed. In this group it was also noted higher antiplatelet medication use (33.33%, p = 0.006), higher GCS at admission (13-15: 84.38%, p = 0.018) and deep ICH (81.82%, p = 0.030). However, 30-day mortality had no impact in multivariate regression (Odds ratio (OR) 4.535, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.786-26.173, p = 0.091). In the group that maintained statin treatment during hospitalization no deaths were registered (p = 0.020) and there was no association with functional status. Multivariate regression analysis was not performed due to sample size.ConclusionThe only association demonstrated in this study was lower 30-day mortality with pre-ICH statin use and continued statin treatment during admission. However, this was not confirmed by multivariate regression analysis. There were no differences between groups concerning cholesterol values, results that can be explained by the pleiotropic and immunomodulatory effect of statins. However, prospective studies are needed to prove the benefit of the statins in ICH.

Abstract P418: Stroke Admissions and Outcomes Among Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and Alzheimer’s Disease in the National Inpatient Sample

Background/Purpose: Although cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) can manifest as separate diseases it can co-exist due to shared amyloid β pathogenic mechanisms. We assessed admission rates and outcomes of ischemic stroke (IS), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) among hospitalized patients with a secondary diagnosis of AD and CAA. Methods: Adult patients discharged with a secondary diagnosis of CAA or AD in National Inpatient Sample (NIS) in the years 2016 and 2017 were identified. Admission rates for IS, ICH, and SAH were primary outcomes. In-hospital mortality and discharge to home were secondary outcomes. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate secondary outcomes with model adjusted for demographics, medical history, hospital characteristics, and Elixhauser comorbidity index. Results: Among 60,609,519 admissions in NIS, 893,834 (1.5%) patients had a secondary diagnosis of AD [mean age 82.1 years and 62% women] and 14,850 (0.02%) patients had CAA [mean age 76.2 years and 51% women]. Combined AD+CAA was present in 1,335 (0.002%) patients. Compared to AD and controls (non AD or CAA), patients with CAA had higher admission rates for IS (11.5% CAA vs 2.8% AD vs 1.7% control, p&lt;0.0001), for ICH (29.5% CAA vs 0.4% AD vs 0.2% control, p&lt;0.0001) and for SAH (3% CAA vs 0.1% AD vs 0.1% control, p&lt;0.0001). Among patients admitted for IS, discharge to home was less likely in AD compared to controls (10.4% AD vs 36.3% control, OR=0.40; 95%CI=0.36-0.44). Among patients admitted for ICH, discharge to home was less likely in AD compared to controls (6.3% AD vs 18.5% control, OR=0.57; 95%CI=0.41-0.78) but higher in CAA (17.8% CAA vs 18.5% control, OR=1.35; 95%CI=1.11-1.63). In-hospital mortality was less likely in patients with CAA than controls among patients admitted for ICH (9.6% CAA vs 23% control, OR=0.33; 95%CI=0.26-0.41) and SAH (6.7% CAA vs 19.1% control, OR=0.27; 95%CI=0.11-0.62). Conclusion: Admissions for IS, ICH, and SAH were higher among CAA compared to AD in NIS. CAA patients had lower in-hospital mortality for ICH and SAH admissions and higher rates of home discharge for ICH admissions. AD patients were less likely to be discharged home for IS and ICH admissions.

Abstract P437: Trends in Outcomes, and Length and Costs of Hospitalization in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage in United States

Background: It remains unclear whether there is any improvement in outcomes of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage over the last decade. Objective: To determine trends pertaining in-hospital outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage using nationally representative data. Methods: We determined the national estimates of intracerebral hemorrhage admissions from 2005 to 2014 and associated in-hospital outcomes, length of stay, mortality, and cost incurred using the Nationwide Inpatient Survey (NIS) data. The NIS is the largest all-payer inpatient care database in the US and contains data from 986 hospitals approximating a 20% stratified sample of US hospitals. Outcome was classified as none to minimal disability, moderate to severe disability, and death based on discharge destination. Results: In the 10-year period, there were 70,637 admissions for intracerebral hemorrhage (annual estimate 80804 in 2005 to 109930 in 2014). There was a significant reduction in in-hospital mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage from 30% to 23% (trend test, p &lt; 0.0001). There was a trend towards increase in proportion of patients with moderate to severe disability (trend test, p &lt; 0.097). The mean length of hospitalization increased from 8.58 days to 9.23 days (trend test, p &lt; 0.0001) and cost of hospitalization increased from $50532.1 to $110932.1 (trend test, p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions: The mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage has decreased but there is increased rates of moderate to severe disability, length of hospitalization, and hospitalization cost over the last decade.

Letter: COVID-19 Pandemic-The Bystander Effect on Stroke Care in Michigan.

Letter: COVID-19 Pandemic-The Bystander Effect on Stroke Care in Michigan.

Index Admission Characteristics and All-Cause Readmissions Analysis in Younger and Older Adults with Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Introduction: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) comprises 15–20% of all strokes with debilitating consequences. Data regarding characteristics and outcomes of primary ICH in the young are lacking, given its rarity, making comparisons between younger and older cohorts difficult to perform. Nationally representative administrative databases enable analysis of such rare events. Objective: To determine the baseline characteristics, all-cause readmission rates, and reasons for primary ICH in younger and older adults using a nationally representative database. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2013. Validated ICD-9-CM codes identified index ICH admissions, comorbidities, demographics, behavioral risk factors, procedures, and Elixhauser and Charlson Comorbidity indices. We compared “younger” (age ≤ 45 years) and “older” (age > 45) index ICH admissions by weighted 30-day all-cause readmission rates, primary diagnosis code for 30-day readmissions, most common comorbidities during the index hospitalization, and Kaplan-Meier cumulative risk of readmission up to 1 year. Results: Older admissions had higher comorbidity scores and mortality, but both groups had similar total comorbidities. Younger admissions exhibited longer length of stay with more procedures performed. Vascular anomalies (aneurysm 7.2 vs. 4.6% and arteriovenous malformation 5.9 vs. 0.8%) and behavioral risk factors (smoking 26.5 vs. 23.0%, alcohol abuse 6.7 vs. 4.6%, and substance use 13.5 vs. 2.9%) were more prevalent in younger admissions, while older patients had more cardiovascular comorbidities. All-cause 30-day readmission rates (13.1 vs. 13.0%) and 1-year cumulative risk of readmission (log-rank p value 0.7209) were similar. Readmissions in the younger cohort were primarily for neurological conditions, and those in the older cohort were for systemic conditions. Conclusions: Adults <45 years with ICH had similar total comorbidities as older adults but more procedures, longer hospital stay, and more behavioral risk factors. Readmission rates were similar though reasons differed; younger patients were more for neurological reasons than for other systemic causes.

Hospital admissions prior to primary intracerebral haemorrhage and relevant factors associated with survival

BackgroundIdentification and modification of risk factors are essential for preventing intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Prior hospital admissions provide opportunities to intervene. We reported hospital admissions prior to primary ICH and investigated factors associated with survival. MethodsCohort design using patient-level data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (2009-2013) linked with hospital administrative datasets from four states (VIC, NSW, WA, QLD). Prior hospital admission is divided into within 90 days and more than 90 days prior to the index ICH event. The International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification codes were used to define principal diagnoses of previous admissions/presentations and comorbidities. Factors associated with survival after ICH were investigated using Cox proportional hazards regression. ResultsAmong 15,482 admissions for stroke, 2,098 (14%) had an ICH (median age 76 years, 52% male), 1,732 patients (83%) had a prior hospital admission, including 440 patients (21%) within 90 days of their index ICH admission. Patients with prior admission were older, had more comorbidities, and greater hospital frailty risk score than those without prior admission. Diseases of the circulatory system (14%) were the most common principal diagnoses for hospital admissions prior to ICH. Of the comorbidities associated with survival, neoplasms conferred the greatest hazard of death at 180 days after ICH (adjusted hazard ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.15 – 1.76, p = 0.001). ConclusionHospital presentations in the 90 days prior to ICH are common. Future research should be focussed on identifying opportunities for preventing ICH.

Abstract TP349: Improving Utilization of ICU Care: Change in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Admission Protocol at a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Objectives: Non traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is responsible for 10-20% of acute stroke events and carries significant mortality concern. The protocol at our comprehensive stroke centers (CSC) is to admit all ICH patients to Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit (NSICU). We also have a stroke Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) at our hospital which is a dedicated stroke unit where patients can be closely monitored and maintained on IV nicardipine. Optimal bed utilization is essential at our busy referral center. We aimed to develop criteria to identify ICH patients at low risk for clinical deterioration who could be admitted directly to our IMCU rather than the NSICU thereby improving overall utilization of monitored beds. Methods: Retrospective chart review for patients admitted between July 2018-Dec 2018 was performed. Age, sex, race, presenting Glasgow coma scale (GCS), ICH score, ICH volume, presence of IVH and location of the hemorrhage was documented. Patients who did not need any neurosurgical procedures (external ventricular drain, craniectomy or hematoma evacuation) and were not documented to have acute respiratory failure during their admission were considered appropriate for IMCU admission and were further assessed for hematoma expansion to determine stability throughout their hospital course. Results: 118 patients with ICH were included in the analysis, out of which 61 patients were suitable for IMCU admission. On univariable analysis, patients that had lower ICH scores (0.6±0.7 vs 2.5±0.9) and higher GCS score (14.1±1.4 vs 7.8±3.7) did not need any acute intervention. In this group of patients, only 9 (14.7%) patients had hematoma expansion documented out of which 6 (67%) patients had coagulation abnormalities on admission either due to medications or low platelet count. Conclusions: We conclude that the patients who had admission ICH score &lt; 2, GCS ≥ 12 and no coagulation abnormalities on admission could have safely been admitted to our IMCU instead of the NSICU for further care and management. This would have led to a decrease in ICU admission rate. Application of such separate protocols for stroke IMCU admission vs ICU admission would lead to better utilization of resources at comprehensive stroke centers throughout the country.

Variability in Palliative Care Use after Intracerebral Hemorrhage at US Hospitals: A Multilevel Analysis

Background: Palliative care (PC) is an essential component of comprehensive care of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In the present study, we sought to characterize the variability of PC use after ICH among US hospitals. Methods: ICH admissions from hospitals with at least 12 annual ICH cases were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 2008 and 2011. We used multilevel logistic regression modeling to estimate between-hospital variance in PC use. We calculated the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), proportional variance change, and median OR after accounting for individual-level and hospital-level covariates. Results: Among 26,791 ICH admissions, 12.5% received PC (95% CI 11.5–13.5). Among the 629 included hospitals, the median rate of PC use was 9.1 (interquartile range 1.5–19.3) per 100 ICH admissions, and 150 (23.9%) hospitals had no recorded PC use. The ICC of the random intercept (null) model was 0.274, suggesting that 27.4% of the overall variability in PC use was due to between-hospital variability. Adding hospital-level covariates to the model accounted for 25.8% of the between-hospital variance observed in the null model, with 74.2% of between-hospital variance remaining unexplained. The median OR of the fully adjusted model was 2.62 (95% CI 2.41–2.89), indicating that a patient moving from 1 hospital to another with a higher intrinsic propensity of PC use had a 2.63-fold median increase in the odds of receiving PC, independent of patient and hospital factors. Conclusions: Substantial variation in PC use after ICH exists among US hospitals. A substantial proportion of this between-hospital variability remains unexplained even after accounting for patient and hospital characteristics.

Statins and perihemorrhagic edema in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

To test the hypothesis that in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), perihemorrhagic edema to hematoma ratio (rPHE) on admission CT scan (aCT) is unaffected by home statin use when time from symptom onset to aCT is controlled for. In a single-center prospective cohort of 176 consecutive ICH patients, 2 investigators independently determined hematoma and perihemorrhagic edema (PHE) volumes by using semiautomated validated software. rPHE were dichotomized at the median ratio (>0.75 vs ≤0.75). We used binary logistic regression to test for associations with rPHE. In patients using statins as home medication before hospital admission (n = 38) compared to patients without prior statin use (n = 138), median PHE volumes were 15.8 mL (interquartile range [IQR] 6.5-39.4) vs 10.8 mL (IQR 5.1-26.8), p = 0.2. rPHE was 0.71 (IQR 0.56-1.0) vs 0.74 (IQR 0.52-1.0), p = 0.79. In a binary logistic regression model, time of aCT relative to symptom onset (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.12, p = 0.016) and presence of intraventricular hemorrhage on aCT (OR 0.40, CI 0.20-0.78, p = 0.007) were but prior statin use was not (OR 1.17, CI 0.55-2.52, p = 0.68) associated with rPHE. Use of statins before hospital admission for ICH is not associated with reduced rPHE on admission CT. In future studies, imaging timing relative to ICH onset needs to be controlled for in order to avoid confounding.