Computed Tomography Angiography versus Digital Subtraction Angiography as a Primary Diagnostic Tool in Nontraumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Study.

BACKGROUND: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and computed tomographic angiography (CTA) are used to identify the cause of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). There is no consensus on which to choose as the first diagnostic tool. We aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of CTA versus DSA as a primary tool for identifying the cause of nontraumatic SAH. METHODS: A decision analysis model was built to simulate patients undergoing DSA or CTA as a primary diagnostic tool for the cause of nontraumatic SAH. The input data for the study were extracted from literature. Probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the model. RESULTS: In the base case calculation, it cost $1261.82 less and yielded 0.0001 quality-adjusted life year (QALY) when DSA was used as a primary diagnostic imaging tool for nontraumatic SAH. Choosing DSA as a primary tool was cost-effective in more than 65% of iterations in probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Deterministic sensitivity analyses show when the probability of using endovascular treatment is >47.2%, choosing DSA is more cost-effective; otherwise, CTA is more optimal. CTA is more cost-effective when the cost for DSA >2.6 × CTA + $600. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current literature and our model DSA as a primary diagnostic tool for the cause of nontraumatic SAH is more cost-effective. However, in clinical practice physicians can choose either DSA or CTA according to the scale of endovascular procedures used in their center, as well as the cost correlation between CTA and DSA, which varies among institutions.

Health Economic Aspects of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Factors Determining First Year In-Hospital Treatment Expenses.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a common neurosurgical emergency with a high case fatality rate. The clinical course of SAH generates high health economic expenses. Here we highlight possible cost-driving factors for in-hospital care expenses for the first year. Furthermore, results are compared with ischemic stroke treatment. METHODS: One hundred and one patients with aneurysmal SAH treated in our hospital from 2007 through 2009 were included. The Hunt and Hess (HH) scale, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scale, Fisher Scale, and further outcome-relevant data were recorded. Expenses were calculated using the German fixed case rate classification system consisting of Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRG) and the Operation and Procedure catalogue (OPS). Overall acute length of stay (LOS) and LOS on the intensive care unit (ICU) were separately evaluated. Expenses were compared with formerly published first-year costs of ischemic stroke. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of the patients (median age 52 years, 69% females) received coiling and 46% clipping. Acute in-hospital treatment accounted for 82% of total in-hospital expenses, while consequential in-hospital treatment accounted only for 18%. Altogether, the total first-year in-hospital expenses for all patients were as high as €2,650,002, resulting in average SAH in-hospital treatment expenses of €26,238 per patient for the first year. Poor clinical condition on admission and longer stay in ICU are the main cost-driving factors. The impact of the aneurysm treatment method is debatable. Only a poor HH grade and longer ICU stay are independent cost-driving factors. SAH treatment expenses are far higher than treatment costs for ischemic stroke in the literature (€6,731 for first-year inpatient and €3,287 for outpatient treatment). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical condition and LOS determine in-hospital expenses after SAH. Aneurysmal SAH prevalently results in a relevant economic impact on the health system exceeding formerly published treatment expenses for ischemic stroke.

Trends in Hospital-to-Hospital Transfers for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Single-Institution Experience from 2006 to 2017.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence to support that aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is best treated at high-volume centers, it is unknown whether clinical practice reflects these findings. METHODS: We analyzed patients transferred to our high-volume center for aSAH between 2006 and 2017. Data collection included number of transfers, demographic data, Hunt and Hess score, Fisher score, comorbid conditions, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, in-hospital mortality rates, insurance status, and hospital charges. Comparisons were made across 3 time periods (2006-2009, 2010-2013, and 2014-2017) and included subgroup analyses by treatment modality (endovascular vs. microsurgical). RESULTS: aSAH transfers declined from 213 in 2006-2009 to 160 in 2014-2017. While there was no change in presenting Hunt and Hess scores, the percentage of modified Fisher scores of 4 increased from 2006-2009 to 2014-2017. Transferred patients had a greater comorbidity index and decreased predicted 10-year survival. Despite this, the average LOS decreased. In-hospital mortality decreased from 2006-2009 to 2014-2017, especially in the endovascular cohort. The proportions of patients who were either self-pay or Medicaid did not change. Overall inflation-adjusted hospital charges decreased from $76,975 in 2006-2009 to $59,870 in 2014-2017. CONCLUSIONS: Between 2006 and 2017, transfers to our center for aSAH declined. However, transferred patients had greater levels of complexity, more comorbidities, and were at greater risk for vasospasm based on their presenting Fisher score. Nonetheless, average LOS, in-hospital mortality, and cost declined. These changing referral patterns have implications for outcome data, quality reporting, resident education, and developing systems of care to optimize outcomes.

A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison of Readmission Rates Associated With Microsurgical Clipping and Endovascular Treatment of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: In the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), microsurgical clipping, and endovascular therapy (EVT) with coiling are modalities for securing the ruptured aneurysm. Little data is available regarding associated readmission rates. We sought to determine whether readmission rates differed according to treatment modality for ruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was used to identify adults who experienced aSAH and underwent clipping or EVT. Primary outcomes of interest were the incidences of 30- and 90-day readmissions (30dRA, 90dRA). Propensity score matching was used to generate matched pairs based on age, comorbidities, hospital volume, and hemorrhage severity. RESULTS: We identified 13,623 and 11,160 patients who were eligible for 30dRA and 90dRA analyses, respectively. Among the patients eligible for 30dRA and 90dRA, we created 4282 and 3518 propensity score-matched pairs, respectively. There was no difference in the incidence of 30dRA (12.4% for clipping versus 11.2% for EVT; P = .094). However, 90dRA occurred more frequently after clipping (22.5%) compared to EVT (19.7%; P = .003). Clipping was associated with poor outcome after 30dRA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-1.88, P < .001) and after 90dRA (OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.34-1.91, P = .001). Mean duration to readmission and cost of readmission did not vary, but clipping was associated with longer lengths of stay during readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical clipping of ruptured aneurysms is associated with a greater incidence of 90dRA, but not 30dRA, compared to EVT. Poor outcomes after readmission are more common following clipping.

Outcome, Return to Work and Health-Related Costs After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

OBJECT: Data on health-related costs after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are limited. The aim was to evaluate outcome, return to work and costs after aSAH with focus on differences between high- and low-grade aSAH (defined as World Federation of Neurological Surgeons [WFNS] grades 4-5 and WFNS 1-3, respectively). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed, including all consecutive survivors of aSAH over a 4-year period. A telephone interview was conducted to assess the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended and employment status before and after aSAH. Direct costs were calculated by multiplying the length of hospitalization by the average daily costs. Indirect costs were calculated for productivity losses until retirement age according to the human capital approach. RESULTS: Follow-up was performed 2.7 years after aSAH (range 1.3-4.6). Favorable outcome was achieved in 114 of 150 patients (76%) and work recovery in 61 of 98 patients (62%) employed prior to aSAH. High-grade compared to low-grade aSAH resulted less frequently in favorable outcome (52% vs. 85%; p < 0.001) and work recovery (39% vs. 69%; p = 0.013). The total costs were € 344.277 (95% CI 268.383-420.171) per patient, mainly accounted to indirect costs (84%). The total costs increased with increasing degree of disability and were greater for high-grade compared to low-grade aSAH (€ 422.496 vs. € 329.193; p = 0.039). The effective costs per patient with favorable outcome were 2.1-fold greater for high-grade compared to low-grade aSAH (€ 308.625 vs. € 134.700). CONCLUSION: Favorable outcome can be achieved in a considerable proportion of high-grade aSAH patients, but costs are greater compared to low-grade aSAH. Further cost-effectiveness studies in the current era of aSAH management are needed.

Exploration of Medical Trajectories of Stroke Patients Based on Group-Based Trajectory Modeling.

A high mortality rate is an issue with acute cerebrovascular disease (ACVD), as it often leads to a high medical expenditure, and in particular to high costs of treatment for emergency medical conditions and critical care. In this study, we used group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) to study the characteristics of various groups of patients hospitalized with ACVD. In this research, the patient data were derived from the 1 million sampled cases in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. Cases who had been admitted to hospitals fewer than four times or more than eight times were excluded. Characteristics of the ACVD patients were collected, including age, mortality rate, medical expenditure, and length of hospital stay for each admission. We then performed GBTM to examine hospitalization patterns in patients who had been hospitalized more than four times and fewer than or equal to eight times. The patients were divided into three groups according to medical expenditure: high, medium, and low groups, split at the 33rd and 66th percentiles. After exclusion of unqualified patients, a total of 27,264 cases (male/female = 15,972/11,392) were included. Analysis of the characteristics of the ACVD patients showed that there were significant differences between the two gender groups in terms of age, mortality rate, medical expenditure, and total length of hospital stay. In addition, the data were compared between two admissions, which included interval, outpatient department (OPD) visit after discharge, OPD visit after hospital discharge, and OPD cost. Finally, the differences in medical expenditure between genders and between patients with different types of stroke-ischemic stroke, spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-were examined using GBTM. Overall, this study employed GBTM to examine the trends in medical expenditure for different groups of stroke patients at different admissions, and some important results were obtained. Our results demonstrated that the time interval between subsequent hospitalizations decreased in the ACVD patients, and there were significant differences between genders and between patients with different types of stroke. It is often difficult to decide when the time has been reached at which further treatment will not improve the condition of ACVD patients, and the findings of our study may be used as a reference for assessing outcomes and quality of care for stroke patients. Because of the characteristics of NHIRD, this study had some limitations; for example, the number of cases for some diseases was not sufficient for effective statistical analysis.

The cost of stroke in private hospitals in Brazil: a one-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies from low- and middle-income countries have assessed stroke and cerebral reperfusion costs from the private sector. To measure the in-hospital costs of ischemic stroke (IS), with and without cerebral reperfusion, primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PIH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in two private hospitals in Joinville, Brazil. METHODS: Prospective disease-cost study. All medical and nonmedical costs for patients admitted with any stroke type or TIA were consecutively determined in 2016-17. All costs were adjusted to the gross domestic product deflator index and purchasing power parity. RESULTS: We included 173 patients. The median cost per patient was US$3,827 (IQR: 2,800-8,664) for the 131 IS patients; US$2,315 (IQR: 1,692-2,959) for the 27 TIA patients; US$16,442 (IQR: 5,108-33,355) for the 11 PIH patients and US$28,928 (IQR: 12,424-48,037) for the four SAH patients (p < 0.00001). For the six IS patients who underwent intravenous thrombolysis, the median cost per patient was US$11,463 (IQR: 8,931-14,291), and for the four IS patients who underwent intra-arterial thrombectomy, the median cost per patient was US$35,092 (IQR: 31,833-37,626; p < 0.0001). A direct correlation was found between cost and length of stay (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Stroke is a costly disease. In the private sector, the costs of cerebral reperfusion for IS treatment were three-to-ten times higher than for usual treatments. Therefore, cost-effectiveness studies are urgently needed in low- and middle-income countries.

The cost of stroke in a public hospital in Brazil: a one-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Low- and middle-income countries face tight health care budgets, not only new resources, but also costly therapeutic resources for treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). However, few prospective data about stroke costs including cerebral reperfusion from low- and middle-income countries are available. To measure the costs of stroke care in a public hospital in Joinville, Brazil. METHODS: We prospectively assessed all medical and nonmedical costs of inpatients admitted with a diagnosis of any stroke or transient ischemic attack over one year, analyzed costs per type of stroke and treatment, length of stay (LOS) and compared hospital costs with government reimbursement. RESULTS: We evaluated 274 patients. The total cost for the year was US$1,307,114; the government reimbursed the hospital US$1,095,118. We found a significant linear correlation between LOS and costs (r = 0.71). The median cost of 134 IS inpatients who did not undergo cerebral reperfusion (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] median = 3 ) was US$2,803; for IS patients who underwent intravenous (IV) alteplase (NIHSS 10), the median was US$5,099, and for IS patients who underwent IV plus an intra-arterial (IA) thrombectomy (NIHSS > 10), the median cost was US$10,997. The median costs of a primary intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and transient ischemic attack were US$2,436, US$8,031 and US$2,677, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Reperfusion treatments were two-to-four times more expensive than conservative treatment. A cost-effectiveness study of the IS treatment option is necessary.

The cost of stroke in private hospitals in Brazil: a one-year prospective study / O custo do AVC em hospitais privados no Brasil: um estudo prospectivo

ABSTRACT Few studies from low- and middle-income countries have assessed stroke and cerebral reperfusion costs from the private sector. Objective To measure the in-hospital costs of ischemic stroke (IS), with and without cerebral reperfusion, primary intracerebral hemorrhage (PIH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and transient ischemic attacks (TIA) in two private hospitals in Joinville, Brazil. Methods Prospective disease-cost study. All medical and nonmedical costs for patients admitted with any stroke type or TIA were consecutively determined in 2016-17. All costs were adjusted to the gross domestic product deflator index and purchasing power parity. Results We included 173 patients. The median cost per patient was US$3,827 (IQR: 2,800-8,664) for the 131 IS patients; US$2,315 (IQR: 1,692-2,959) for the 27 TIA patients; US$16,442 (IQR: 5,108-33,355) for the 11 PIH patients and US$28,928 (IQR: 12,424-48,037) for the four SAH patients (p < 0.00001). For the six IS patients who underwent intravenous thrombolysis, the median cost per patient was US$11,463 (IQR: 8,931-14,291), and for the four IS patients who underwent intra-arterial thrombectomy, the median cost per patient was US$35,092 (IQR: 31,833-37,626; p < 0.0001). A direct correlation was found between cost and length of stay (r = 0.67, p < 0.001). Conclusions Stroke is a costly disease. In the private sector, the costs of cerebral reperfusion for IS treatment were three-to-ten times higher than for usual treatments. Therefore, cost-effectiveness studies are urgently needed in low- and middle-income countries.

RESUMO Poucos estudos determinam o custo do AVC em países de baixa e média renda nos setores privados. Objetivos Mensurar o custo hospitalar do tratamento do(a): AVC isquêmico com e sem reperfusão cerebral, hemorragia intracerebral primária (HIP), hemorragia subaracnóidea e ataque isquêmico transitório (AIT) em hospitais privados de Joinville, Brasil. Métodos Estudo prospectivo de custo de doença. Os custos médicos e não médicos dos pacientes admitidos com qualquer tipo de AVC ou AIT foram consecutivamente verificados em 2016-17. Os valores foram ajustados ao índice do deflator do produto interno bruto e à paridade do poder de compra. Resultados Nós incluímos 173 pacientes. A mediana de custo por paciente foi de US$ 3.827 (IQR: 2.800-8.664) para os 131 pacientes com AVC isquêmico; US$ 2.315 (1.692-2.959) para os 27 pacientes com AIT; US$ 16.442 (5.108-33.355) para os 11 pacientes com HIP e US$ 28.928 (12.424-48.037) para os quatro pacientes com HSA (p < 0,00001). Para seis pacientes submetidos à trombólise intravenosa, a mediana do custo por paciente foi de US$ 11.463 (8.931-14.291) e, para quatro pacientes submetidos à trombectomia intra-arterial, a mediana de custo por paciente foi de US$ 35.092 (31.833-37.626; p < 0,0001). Uma correlação direta foi encontrada entre custo e tempo de permanência (r = 0,67, p < 0,001). Conclusão O AVC é uma doença cara. Em ambiente privado, os custos da reperfusão cerebral foram de três a dez vezes superiores aos tratamentos habituais do AVC isquêmico. Portanto, estudos de custo-efetividade são urgentemente necessários em países de baixa e média rendas.

The cost of stroke in a public hospital in Brazil: a one-year prospective study / Custo do AVC em um hospital público no Brasil: um estudo prospectivo de um ano

ABSTRACT Low- and middle-income countries face tight health care budgets, not only new resources, but also costly therapeutic resources for treatment of ischemic stroke (IS). However, few prospective data about stroke costs including cerebral reperfusion from low- and middle-income countries are available. Objective To measure the costs of stroke care in a public hospital in Joinville, Brazil. Methods We prospectively assessed all medical and nonmedical costs of inpatients admitted with a diagnosis of any stroke or transient ischemic attack over one year, analyzed costs per type of stroke and treatment, length of stay (LOS) and compared hospital costs with government reimbursement. Results We evaluated 274 patients. The total cost for the year was US$1,307,114; the government reimbursed the hospital US$1,095,118. We found a significant linear correlation between LOS and costs (r = 0.71). The median cost of 134 IS inpatients who did not undergo cerebral reperfusion (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] median = 3 ) was US$2,803; for IS patients who underwent intravenous (IV) alteplase (NIHSS 10), the median was US$5,099, and for IS patients who underwent IV plus an intra-arterial (IA) thrombectomy (NIHSS > 10), the median cost was US$10,997. The median costs of a primary intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and transient ischemic attack were US$2,436, US$8,031 and US$2,677, respectively. Conclusions Reperfusion treatments were two-to-four times more expensive than conservative treatment. A cost-effectiveness study of the IS treatment option is necessary.

RESUMO Os países de baixa e media renda enfrentam orçamentos apertados na saúde, não somente devido aos novos recursos terapêuticos, mas relacionado ao custo oneroso do tratamento do acidente vascular cerebral. No entanto, poucos dados prospectivos sobre os custos do AVC, incluindo reperfusão cerebral de países de baixa e média renda estão disponíveis. Objetivo Mensurar os custos do atendimento ao AVC em um hospital público. Métodos Avaliamos prospectivamente todos os custos médicos e não médicos de pacientes internados com diagnóstico de acidente vascular cerebral ou AIT durante 1 ano, analisamos os custos por tipo de AVC e tratamento, tempo de permanência e comparamos os custos hospitalares com o reembolso governamental. Resultados Foram avaliados 274 pacientes. O custo total em um ano foi de US$ 1.307,114; o governo reembolsou o hospital no valor de US$ 1.095.118. Encontramos uma correlação linear significativa entre LOS e custos (r = 0,71). A mediana do custo do AVCI em 134 pacientes que não sofreram reperfusão cerebral (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] mediana = 3) foi de US$ 2.803; para pacientes submetidos a alteplase intravenosa (IV) (NIHSS 10), a mediana foi de US$ 5.099 e para os pacientes submetidos a trombectomia intra-arterial (IA) (NIHSS > 10), o custo mediano foi de US$ 10.997. A mediana do custo de uma hemorragia intracerebral primária, hemorragia subaracnóidea e AIT foram de US$ 2.436, US$ 8.031 e US$ 2.677, respectivamente. Conclusões Os tratamentos de reperfusão foram duas a quatro vezes mais caros do que o tratamento conservador. Estudo de custo-efetividade para o tratamento do AVC são necessários.

Cost Comparison of Surgical Clipping and Endovascular Coiling of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: Rupture of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) is the main cause for subarachnoid hemorrhage. UIA are widespread among the population. Advanced technology enables us to diagnose UIAs with increasing reliability and subsequently treat them. There are 2 main treatment options: surgical clipping and endovascular treatment of the aneurysm. This article aims to analyze costs of neurosurgical clipping and the endovascular approach to treat UIA, and to give an overview over the existing literature. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using the databases Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and NHS EED. Articles were divided into 2 groups based on the perspective from which costs were evaluated (health care provider or payer). Costs were inflated to the year 2015 and converted to international dollars. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 137 different articles out of which 15 have been considered relevant and have been included in this review. Not only absolute numbers but also the cost ratio of both treatment modalities showed substantial variations. The coiling procedure tends to be more expensive for health care providers but cheaper for cost bearers. Without any exception, the authors determined shorter lengths of stay for patients who underwent the coiling procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Due to different definitions of hospital costs and hardly reproducible calculations, comparability of the stated numbers is limited. Besides the economic impact, outcomes must be considered when making a treatment decision. The 2 treatment modalities are not equally suitable in every patient nor for every aneurysm location.

Factors influencing the incidence and treatment of intracranial aneurysm and subarachnoid hemorrhage: time trends and socioeconomic disparities under an universal healthcare system.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing usage of endovascular treatments for intracranial aneurysms, few research studies have been conducted on the incidence of unruptured aneurysm (UA) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and could not show a decrease in the incidence of SAH. Moreover, research on socioeconomic disparities with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of UA and SAH is lacking. METHOD: Trends in the incidences of newly detected UA and SAH and trends in the treatment modalities used were assessed from 2005 to 2015 using the nationwide database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service in South Korea. We also evaluated the influence of demographic characteristics including socioeconomic factors on the incidence and treatment of UA and SAH. RESULT: The rates of newly detected UA and SAH were 28.3 and 13.7 per 100 000 of the general population, respectively, in 2015. The incidence of UA increased markedly over the 11-year study period, whereas that of SAH decreased slightly. UA patients were more likely to be female, older, employee-insured, and to have high incomes than SAH patients. In 2015, coiling was the most common treatment modality for both UA and SAH patients. Those who were female, employee-insured, or self-employed, with high income were likely to have a higher probability to be treated for UA and SAH. CONCLUSION: The marked increase in the detection and treatment of UA might have contributed to the decreasing incidence of SAH, though levels of contribution depend on socioeconomic status despite universal medical insurance coverage.

No Disparity in Outcomes Between Surgical Clipping and Endovascular Coiling After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) can be treated with either endovascular coiling or surgical clipping. The International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) found that endovascular coiling provided lower mortality rates at 1-year follow-up, starting a trend toward the endovascular treatment approach for SAH. Subsequently, specific procedural indications have driven an approach to SAH management involving a patient-specific procedural choice. The present study evaluates whether specific indications for these procedures have eliminated the differences in risk-adjusted mortality and in-hospital complications from SAH in a large nationally representative set of hospitalizations from 2013 to 2014. METHODS: All cases of nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage were queried from the National Inpatient Sample using codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition. These patients were assigned to cohorts based on whether they were treated by surgical clipping or by endovascular coiling. Subsequent univariate and multivariate analyses were used to characterize and compare demographics, in-hospital complications, and total charges between the 2 groups. RESULTS: In 2013 to 2014, 6555 patients hospitalized for SAH underwent surgical clipping and 15,350 underwent endovascular coiling. The patients undergoing coiling were older (55.3 vs. 54.1, P = 0.02) and had lower severity scores (3.24 vs. 3.44, P < 0.0001); however, they had higher average risk of mortality scores (2.96 vs. 2.44, P < 0.0001) and longer lengths of stay (19.0 vs. 17.8 days, P = 0.009) than did those undergoing surgical clipping. Multivariate logistic regression analysis comparing clipping to coiling showed no differences in rates of complication (odds ratio [OR]: 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67-1.13), death (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.57-1.05), or total charges (-$3282, 95% CI: -$8376-$14,941) between both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Concerns about overzealous use of endovascular coiling in treating SAH after the ISAT stemmed from a lag in condition-specific indications. The allure of endovascular coiling stems from its noninvasiveness and initial results; however, in the years after ISAT, evaluation of SAH conditions led to more patient-specific indications for SAH. The results presented here suggest that more rigorous procedural selection has allowed for an optimization of outcomes for the 2 procedures.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Readmissions: National Rates, Causes, Risk Factors, and Outcomes in 16,001 Hospitalized Patients.

INTRODUCTION: The acute complications of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) often lead to readmissions, which are linked to hospital reimbursement. The national rates, causes, risk factors, and outcomes associated with 30-day and 90-day readmission after aSAH have not previously been reported. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried from January to September 2013 for all patients (age ≥18 years) with a diagnosis of aSAH. Data points included demographics, comorbidities, complications, and discharge outcomes. Causes and risk factors for 30-day and 90-day readmission were identified in univariate and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: In 12,777 patients discharged alive after hospitalization for aSAH, 962 (7.5%) were readmitted within 30 days and 2153 (16.7%) within 90 days. Common causes of readmission included stroke, hydrocephalus, septicemia, and headache. At 30-day and 90-day readmission, 39.7% and 51.2% of patients with diagnosis of hydrocephalus underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, respectively. In multivariable analysis, cannabis use and diabetes were predictors of both 30-day and 90-day readmission and older patients were uniquely susceptible to 30-day readmissions. Risk factors for 90-day readmission included Medicare insurance, hypothyroidism, initial discharge to skilled nursing facility, and several index complications including bowel obstruction, gastrostomy, acute lung injury, and cerebral edema. Average cost and length of stay were calculated at 30-day ($16.647, 7.1 days) and 90-day readmission ($17,926, 6.7 days). Mortality was 2.8% within 30 days and 3.8% within 90 days. CONCLUSIONS: Many readmissions occur outside the 30-day follow-up period in patients subarachnoid hemorrhage and possess unique risk factors, which may help identify high-risk patients.

Effect of treatment modality on in-hospital outcome in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: a nationwide study in Japan (J-ASPECT Study).

OBJECTIVE Although heterogeneity in patient outcomes following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been observed across different centers, the relative merits of clipping and coiling for SAH remain unknown. The authors sought to compare the patient outcomes between these therapeutic modalities using a large nationwide discharge database encompassing hospitals with different comprehensive stroke center (CSC) capabilities. METHODS They analyzed data from 5214 patients with SAH (clipping 3624, coiling 1590) who had been urgently hospitalized at 393 institutions in Japan in the period from April 2012 to March 2013. In-hospital mortality, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, cerebral infarction, complications, hospital length of stay, and medical costs were compared between the clipping and coiling groups after adjustment for patient-level and hospital-level characteristics by using mixed-model analysis. RESULTS Patients who had undergone coiling had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (12.4% vs 8.7%, OR 1.3) and a shorter median hospital stay (32.0 vs 37.0 days, p < 0.001) than those who had undergone clipping. The respective proportions of patients discharged with mRS scores of 3-6 (46.4% and 42.9%) and median medical costs (thousands US$, 35.7 and 36.7) were not significantly different between the groups. These results remained robust after further adjustment for CSC capabilities as a hospital-related covariate. CONCLUSIONS Despite the increasing use of coiling, clipping remains the mainstay treatment for SAH. Regardless of CSC capabilities, clipping was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality, similar unfavorable functional outcomes and medical costs, and a longer hospital stay as compared with coiling in 2012 in Japan. Further study is required to determine the influence of unmeasured confounders.

The Effect of Morbid Obesity on Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Prognosis in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: The association between obesity and nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patient outcome is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of morbid obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m2) on nontraumatic SAH outcomes. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified hospitalized, nontraumatic SAH patients who received their diagnoses from 2008 to 2013 and tested the effect of obesity on their mortality and clinical outcomes. Odds ratios were estimated with a mixed effects linear logistic model with adjustment for hospital clustering. All statistical testing was 2-sided, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Out of 224,561 discharged patients with a diagnosis of nontraumatic SAH, 4714 (2.10%) were defined as morbidly obese. Patients with morbid obesity were younger (54.3 ± 0.44 vs. 59.5 ± 0.08 years; P < 0.001) and had longer length of stay (LOS) (13 ± 0.46 vs. 11.5 ± 0.06 days; P = 0.002). Morbid obesity was associated with significantly higher hospital costs (P < 0.001) and charges (P < 0.001). The risk of acute respiratory failure was higher in morbidly obese patients (odds ratio [OR] 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3-1.71, P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis of hospital mortality, obesity had a negative impact on mortality (OR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.74-0.92, P < 0.001). Overall, in-hospital mortality was associated with age, morbid obesity, LOS, clipping and coiling, and acute respiratory failure but not the symptomatic vasospasm. CONCLUSIONS: Morbid obesity is associated with increased LOS, hospital costs and charges and with acute respiratory failure. However, it is also associated with a decrease in hospital mortality.

Are Hispanic patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage treated differently in border states than in nonborder states?

OBJECTIVE Recent studies have found an underutilization of in-hospital procedures in treatments of Hispanic patients admitted with coronary artery disease in states along the US-Mexico border ("border states"). The purpose of this study was to determine any treatment disparities between patients treated for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in border and nonborder states and whether this disparity was associated with differential hospital charges. METHODS Using the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample, the authors retrieved data of Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients who were admitted in 2011 for SAH in a border state (California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) or nonborder state (the remaining 46 US states). The authors determined the rates of use of endovascular coiling and surgical clipping treatments, hospital charges, and outcomes according to the patients' demographics and treatment in border or nonborder states. RESULTS In total, 18,368 patients were admitted with SAH in the selected time period, including 2310 Hispanic patients (12.6%). Of these patients, 1525 were admitted in a border state and 785 in a nonborder state. In border states, rates of surgical treatment significantly differed between patients of Hispanic (21.9%) and non-Hispanic (14.0%) origin (p = 0.02). In particular, Hispanic patients were more likely to undergo surgical clipping than were non-Hispanic patients. In the nonborder states, the rates of surgical treatment were similar for Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients (14.0% vs 15.6%, p = 0.6). Hispanic patients with SAH were billed significantly higher in-hospital charges in border states than in nonborder states ($219,260 and $192,418 [US dollars], respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Use of surgical treatments for Hispanic patients with SAH residing in border states has a unique pattern, which significantly increases in-hospital charges in this patient population.

Health Care Costs of Spontaneous Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage for Rehabilitation, Home Care, and In-Hospital Treatment for the First Year.

BACKGROUND: Given the young age of onset and high probability of long-term disability after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), the financial impact is expected to be substantial. Our primary objective was to highlight subsequent treatment costs after the acute in-hospital stay, including rehabilitation and home care, compared with costs for ischemic stroke. METHODS: The study included 101 patients (median age 52 years, 70 women) with aneurysmal SAH treated from July 2007 to April 2009. In-hospital costs were calculated using German diagnosis related groups. Rehabilitation costs depended on rehabilitation phase/grade and daily rate. Level of severity of care requirements determined the costs for home care. RESULTS: Of patients, 54% received coiling and 46% received clipping. The clipping group included more poor-grade patients than the coiling group (P = 0.039); 23 patients died. Of 78 surviving patients, 70 received rehabilitation treatment (68 in Germany). Mean rehabilitation costs were €16,030 per patient. Patients in the clipping group generated higher rehabilitation costs and longer treatment periods in rehabilitation facilities (P = 0.001 for costs [€20,290 vs. €11,771] and P = 0.011 for duration (54.4 days vs. 40.5 days). Of surviving patients, 32% needed home care, of whom 52% required constant care. Multivariate regression analysis identified longer intensive care unit stay and poor Hunt and Hess grade as independent predictors of higher costs. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysmal SAH prevalently affects working individuals with long-term occupational disability necessitating long-term medical rehabilitation for most patients and subsequent nursing care in one third of survivors. Overall, SAH treatment generates far higher costs than reported for ischemic stroke.

Medicare expenditures for elderly patients undergoing surgical clipping or endovascular intervention for subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE The impact of treatment method-surgical clipping or endovascular coiling-on the cost of care for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is debated. Here, the authors investigated the association between treatment method and long-term Medicare expenditures in elderly patients with aneurysmal SAH. METHODS The authors performed a cohort study of 100% of the Medicare fee-for-service claims data for elderly patients who had undergone treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysms in the period from 2007 to 2012. To control for measured confounding, the authors used propensity score-adjusted multivariable regression analysis with mixed effects to account for clustering at the hospital referral region (HRR) level. An instrumental variable (regional rates of coiling) analysis was used to control for unmeasured confounding by creating pseudo-randomization on the treatment method. RESULTS During the study period, 3210 patients underwent treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysms and met the inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 1206 (37.6%) had surgical clipping and 2004 (62.4%) had endovascular coiling. The median total Medicare expenditures in the 1st year after admission for SAH were $113,000 (IQR $77,500-$182,000) for surgical clipping and $103,000 (IQR $72,900-$159,000) for endovascular coiling. When the authors adjusted for unmeasured confounders by using an instrumental variable analysis, clipping was associated with increased 1-year Medicare expenditures by $19,577 (95% CI $4492-$34,663). CONCLUSIONS In a cohort of Medicare patients with aneurysmal SAH, after controlling for unmeasured confounding, surgical clipping was associated with increased 1-year expenditures in comparison with endovascular coiling.

Trends in hospitalizations and cost associated with stroke by age, United States 2003-2012.

Background The disease burden associated with stroke by age is not well known. Aim To assess the trends in stroke hospitalizations and associated cost among adults aged ≥18 years by age groups in the United States. Methods The study population consisted of 2003-2012 adult hospitalizations from the National Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage, and acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations were identified by the principal diagnosis ICD-9-CM code. We estimated national hospitalization rates and inflation-adjusted hospital costs across five consecutive 2-year time intervals, stratified by seven age groups. Results Hospitalization rates for subarachnoid hemorrhage decreased significantly from 2003-2004 to 2011-2012 for ages 35-44 (relative percent change (RPC): -23%) and 45-54 (RPC: -22%), respectively. For intracerebral hemorrhage, the rates decreased significantly for ages ≥65 years. Acute ischemic stroke hospitalization rates increased significantly for ages 18-54 and decreased significantly for ages 65-84 years. The average per-hospitalization cost for subarachnoid hemorrhage increased 7-35% among all age groups, except those aged 65-74, and increased 10-29% for intracerabral hemorrhage except those aged 75-84, and increased 6-19% among all ages for acute ischemic stroke, respectively. Overall, the estimated total national cost increased 7% for subarachnoid hemorrhage, 10% for intracerebral hemorrhage, and 18% for acute ischemic stroke from 2003-2004 to 2011-2012. Conclusions From 2003 to 2012, subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracerabral hemorrhage stroke hospitalization rates declined across all age groups. While US acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations among ages 65-84 declined significantly, the hospitalization rates increased significantly among ages 18-54. The estimated hospital costs increased across all stroke subtypes during the study period.