Incidence of surgically treated chronic subdural hematoma after head injury with normal initial computed tomography.

PURPOSE: The objective was to determine the incidence of surgically treated chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) within six months after head trauma in a consecutive series of head injury patients with a normal initial computed tomography (CT). METHODS: A total of 1941 adult patients with head injuries who underwent head CT within 48 h after injury and were treated at the Tampere University Hospital's emergency department were retrospectively evaluated from medical records (median age = 59 years, IQR = 39-79 years, males = 58%, patients using antithrombotic medication = 26%). Patients with no signs of acute traumatic intracranial pathology or any type of subdural collection on initial head CT were regarded as CT negative (n = 1573, 81%). RESULTS: Two (n = 2) of the 1573 CT negative patients received surgical treatment for cSDH. Consequently, the incidence of surgically treated cSDH after a normal initial head CT during a six-month follow-up was 0.13%. Both patients sustained mild traumatic brain injuries initially. One of the two patients was on antithrombotic medication (warfarin) at the time of trauma, hence incidence of surgically treated cSDH among patients with antithrombotic medication in CT negative patients (n = 376, 23.9%) was 0.27%. Additionally, within CT negative patients, one subdural hygroma was operated shortly after trauma. CONCLUSION: The extremely low incidence of surgically treated cSDH after a normal initial head CT, even in patients on antithrombotic medication, supports the notion that routine follow-up imaging after an initial normal head CT is not indicated to exclude the development of cSDH. Additionally, our findings support the concept of cSDH not being a purely head trauma-related disease.

Predictors of mortality in chronic subdural hematoma evacuation.

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most common types of intracranial hemorrhages, particularly in the elderly. Despite extensive research regarding cSDH diagnosis and treatment, there is conflicting data on predictors of postoperative mortality (POM). We conducted a large retrospective review of patients who underwent a cSDH evacuation at a single urban institution between 2015 and 2022. Data were collected from the electronic medical record on prior comorbidities, anticoagulation use, mental status on presentation, preoperative labs, and preoperative/postoperative imaging parameters. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to analyze predictors of mortality. Mortality during admission for this cohort was 6.1%. Univariate analysis showed the mortality rate was higher in those presenting with a history of dialysis. In addition, those who presented with altered mental status, were intubated, and lower GCS scores had higher rates of POM. Usage of Coumadin was correlated with higher rates of POM. Examination of preoperative labs showed that patients who presented with anemia or thrombocytopenia had higher POM. Imaging data showed that cSDH volume and greatest dimension were correlated with higher rates of POM. Finally, patients that were not extubated postoperatively had higher rates of POM. Multivariate analysis showed that only altered mental status and being not being extubated postoperatively were correlated with a higher risk of mortality. In summation, we demonstrated that altered mental status and failure to extubate were independent predictors or mortality in cSDH evacuation. Interestingly, patient age was not a significant predictor of mortality.

Inflammatory human leucocyte antigen genotypes are not a risk factor in chronic subdural hematoma development.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) pathophysiology has undergone a paradigm shift from being regarded as solely traumatic to be driven mainly by inflammation. Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) is a gene complex involved in antigen processing and presentation to T lymphocytes, thereby mediating the adaptive immune responses. As specific HLA profiles are associated with inflammatory diseases, patients with a specific HLA profile may have a lower threshold for subdural inflammation, and therefore are predisposed for CSDH development. We hypothesized that (1) CSDH patients have a specific HLA profile compared to a Danish background population, and (2) patients with recurrent CSDH have a specific HLA profile compared to CSDH patients without recurrent CSDH. METHODS: Three specific HLA class II haplotypes known to drive inflammatory-mediated diseases were determined in 68 patients with CSDH. The distribution of these three haplotypes in our CSDH population was compared to a Danish population of blood donors using Monte Carlo Pearson's chi-square test. Furthermore, the distribution of the haplotypes was compared between CSDH patients with and without recurrent CSDH. RESULTS: We found no significant association between either of the haplotypes and the risk of CSDH, and neither of the haplotypes were associated with increased risk of CSDH recurrence. CONCLUSION: This study did not show an association between selected HLA class II haplotypes and the risk of CSDH or recurrence of CSDH compared with a healthy background population.

Is information provided within chronic subdural haematoma education resources adequate? A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is becoming increasingly prevalent, due to an aging population with increasing risk factors. Due to its variable disease course and high morbidity, patient centred care and shared decision making are essential. However, its occurrence in frail populations, remote from specialist neurosurgeons who currently triage treatment decisions, challenges this. Education is an important component of enabling shared decisions. This should be targeted to avoid information overload. However, it is unknown what this should be. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to conduct analysis of the content of existing CSDH educational materials, to inform the development of patient and relative educational resources to facilitate shared decision making. METHODS: A literature search was conducted (July 2021) of MEDLINE, Embase and grey literature, for all self-specified resources on CSDH education, and narrative reviews. Resources were classified into a hierarchical framework using inductive thematic analysis into 8 core domains: Aetiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology; natural history and risk factors; symptoms; diagnosis; surgical management; nonsurgical management; complications and recurrence; and outcomes. Domain provision was summarised using descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests. RESULTS: 56 information resources were identified. 30 (54%) were resources designed for healthcare professionals (HCPs), and 26 (46%) were patient-orientated resources. 45 (80%) were specific to CSDH, 11 (20%) covered head injury, and 10 (18%) referenced both acute and chronic SDH. Of 8 core domains, the most reported were aetiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology (80%, n = 45) and surgical management (77%, n = 43). Patient orientated resources were more likely to provide information on symptoms (73% vs 13%, p<0.001); and diagnosis (62% vs 10%, p<0.001) when compared to HCP resources. Healthcare professional orientated resources were more likely to provide information on nonsurgical management (63% vs 35%, p = 0.032), and complications/recurrence (83% vs 42%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The content of educational resources is varied, even amongst those intended for the same audience. These discrepancies indicate an uncertain educational need, that will need to be resolved in order to better support effective shared decision making. The taxonomy created can inform future qualitative studies.

Incidence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma after Mild Head Trauma in Elderly Patients with or without Pre-traumatic Conditioning of Anti-thrombotic Drugs.

Anti-thrombotic drugs may increase the risk for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, whether to continue or discontinue/counteract these drugs has not been investigated in patients with mild head trauma. CSDH incidence after mild head trauma, as well as the risk for CSDH in patients with anti-thrombotic drugs, were investigated in this study. The study included 765 consecutive elderly (>65 y.o.) patients with mild head trauma and an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 14 or 15. All patients received initial CT within 24 hours after trauma and were re-examined 30 days after trauma to detect CSDH formation, repeating for every 30 days to examine symptomatic CSDH progression. Patients were divided into two groups, with anti-thrombotic drugs (n = 195) or without them (n = 263), to investigate the influence of pre-traumatic conditioning with anti-thrombotic drugs on CSDH. The whole sample was 458 out of 765 cases. The incidence of CSDH formation was 91 out of 458 cases (19.9%) after mild head trauma, with no significant difference between with and without anti-thrombotic drugs. CSDH progressed as symptomatic in 21 out of 458 cases (4.6%), with no significant difference between with and without anti-thrombotic drugs. Pre-traumatic conditioning with anti-thrombotic drugs and its continuation after trauma did not affect the incidence of formation or symptomatic progression of CSDH. This finding suggests that discontinuing and/or counteracting anti-thrombotic drugs may be unnecessary in patients with mild head trauma.

Traumatic subdural hygroma and chronic subdural hematoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recently, a relationship between traumatic subdural hygroma (SDG) and chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) has been proposed. However, the role of traumatic SDG in development of CSDH has not been well characterized. This systematic review aimed to estimate the rate of evolution of traumatic SDG to CSDH, and to identify risk factors associated with traumatic SDG evolution to CSDH. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to May 26, 2021, using the combination of the terms "subdural hygroma" and "chronic subdural hematoma." Using a random-effects model, we calculated a pooled estimate of rate of evolution of traumatic SDG to CSDH. In addition, we conducted a systematic review of studies of risk factors for traumatic SDG evolution to CSDH. Nineteen studies with 1,335 patients met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. The pooled estimate of evolution rate was 25.0 % (95 % CI, 19.3 %-30.7 %; I2 = 85.6 %), with significant heterogeneity among studies (P < 0.01). Age ≥ 60 years was associated independently with traumatic SDG evolution to CSDH, after adjustment for study design using multivariate meta-regression. Risk factors associated with evolution of traumatic SDG to CSDH were radiological characteristics such as thicker SDG and higher SDG CT value. The rate of traumatic SDGs evolution to CSDH is approximately 25 %. Patients aged 60 or older with traumatic SDGs are at increased risk of CSDH development. Thicker SDG and higher SDG CT value, are commonly reported risk factors for traumatic SDG evolution to CSDH. However, higher quality studies are needed.

Predictors of recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma in a cohort study of patients presenting in a sub-Saharan African teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological condition affecting the elderly with decreased quality of life. Recurrence leads to increase in number of hospital admissions and surgical interventions. Several factors contribute to recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma, and determination of these factors will help institute measures to reduce recurrence of CSDH, cost of care and improved quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma in a cohort of patients presenting in a Sub-Saharan African Teaching Hospital. METHODS: A prospective hospital-based cohort study of 62 participants who presented with CSDH and underwent burr-hole and drainage at the Neuroscience unit of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital. The primary outcome of this study was the recurrence of CSDH within 3 months after the surgery. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 and exported to International Business Machine (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 for analysis. Predictors of recurrence of CSDH were determined using logistic regression with odds ratio calculated at the 95% confidence level and a p-value less than 0.05 accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: There was a male preponderance of 45 (72.6%), over females of 17 (27.4%). The mean age was 63.1 ± 13.6 years. The recurrence rate of CSDH was 21.0% whilst the mortality rate was 4.8%. Facial palsy and dysphasia were associated with the recurrence of CSDH (p = 0.045, 0.029). Hypertension and bilaterality were associated with recurrence of CSDH from a univariate analysis (p = 0.039, OR = 4.865, CI = 0.975-24.285; p = 0.005, OR = 5.979, CI = 1.585-22.557). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, bilaterality was the only independent predictor of recurrence of CSDH (p = 0.030, AOR = 5.47, CI = 1.18-25.34). CONCLUSIONS: Both hypertension and bilaterality showed statistically significant association with recurrence of CSDH. However, only bilaterality proved to be an independent predictor of recurrence of CSDH in patient who underwent burr-hole and drainage.

The inflammatory cellular feature in the peripheral blood of chronic subdural hematoma patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical disease with an increasing incidence. The absorption route of CSDH is not clear. Whether inflammatory factors enter the peripheral blood and cause systemic reactions is unknown. METHODS: We screened 105 CSDH patients and 105 control individuals. Their clinical characteristics and blood routine results were collected and compared. The blood routine changes of CSDH patients before and after treatment were compared. Age-stratified analysis was performed due to age may affect the inflammatory markers. RESULTS: The white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil-lymphocyte count ratio (NLR), and platelet to lymphocyte count ratio (PLR) of CSDH patients before treatment were within the normal range, while were significantly higher than the control individuals (p < 0.001). The absolute lymphocyte count and lymphocyte percentage of control individuals were higher than those of patients (p < 0.001). The inflammatory cells in patients of different age groups were similar. After the patient was cured, the white blood cell count, the absolute value and percentage of neutrophils decreased (p < 0.05), while the number of monocytes increased. CONCLUSIONS: CSDH caused slight systemic inflammatory responses in the peripheral blood, implying that there is a non-hematologic route for the absorption of hematoma.

Mortality after chronic subdural hematoma is associated with frailty.

PURPOSE: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological disease often affecting the elderly. Long-term excess mortality for patients after CSDH has been suggested but causes of death are unknown. We hypothesize that excess mortality of CSDH patients is related to frailty. In this article, we describe mortality rates and causes of death of CSDH patients compared with the general population and assess the association of frailty with mortality. METHODS: A cohort study in which consecutive CSDH patients were compared to the general population regarding mortality rates. Furthermore, the association of six frailty indicators (cognitive problems, frequent falling, unable to live independently, unable to perform daily self-care, use of benzodiazepines or psychotropic drugs, and number of medications) with mortality was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 1307 CSDH patients were included, with a mean age of 73.7 (SD ± 11.4) years and 958 (73%) were male. Median follow-up was 56 months (range: 0-213). Compared with controls CSDH patients had a hazard ratio for mortality of 1.34 (95% CI: 1.2-1.5). CSDH patients more often died from cardiovascular diseases (37% vs. 30%) and falls (7.2% vs. 3.7%). Among CSDH patients frequent falling (HR 1.3; 95% CI: 1.0-1.7), inability to live independently (HR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.8), inability to perform daily self-care (HR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-1.9), and number of medications used (HR 1.0; 95% CI: 1.0-1.1) were independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: CSDH patients have higher mortality rates than the general population. Frailty in CSDH patients is associated with higher mortality risk. More attention for the frailty of CSDH patients is warranted.

Functional Outcome in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Postoperative Delirium and Operative Procedure.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical condition and neurological condition improves after treatment in most patients. Recently more patients have poor prognosis because of aging of the population and presence of multiple comorbidities. The risk factors for poor prognosis, including postoperative delirium, were retrospectively evaluated to assess appropriate operative procedures. This study included 108 patients who underwent primary surgery from 2016 to 2017 at a single center. Operative procedures were drainage with or without irrigation. Functional outcome at discharge assessed the effect of various factors including postoperative delirium and operative procedure. Twenty-nine of 108 patients (27%) had worsened modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge, most with mobility disturbance or deteriorated cognitive function. Multivariate analysis found higher age (odds ratio [OR] = 5.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-1.14), poor pre-hospital mRS score (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.0-2.46), and preoperative consciousness disturbance caused by CSDH (OR = 5.13; 95% CI = 1.27-20) were significant predictors of poor outcome. Operative procedure was not significantly related to functional outcome or recurrence, but irrigation was significantly related to postoperative delirium (OR = 4.83; 95% CI = 1.09-21.7). Patients with postoperative delirium were likely to require longer hospitalization stays (P = 0.028). Higher age, poor pre-hospital mRS, and preoperative consciousness disturbance caused by CSDH are the risk factors for poor recovery after CSDH. Irrigation is significantly likely to cause postoperative delirium and longer hospital stay.

Transient neurological deficit in patients with chronic subdural hematoma: a retrospective cohort analysis.

RATIONALE: Symptoms of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) vary widely, including transient neurological deficit(s) (TND). The precise prevalence and the clinical aspects of TND are yet to be determined. Most TNDs are regarded and treated as symptomatic seizures, but the rationale for this decision is not always clear. METHODS: Patients with temporary symptoms were selected from a retrospective cohort of CSDH patients. We analyzed the association of TND characteristics with patients being classified as having a symptomatic seizure and with functional outcome using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the included 1307 CSDH patients, 113 (8.6%) had at least one episode of TND. Most common TNDs were aphasia/dysphasia, impaired awareness or clonic movements. Of these 113 patients, 50 (44%) were diagnosed with symptomatic seizure(s) by their treating physician. Impaired awareness, clonic movements and the presence of 'positive symptoms' showed the strongest association with the diagnosis symptomatic seizure (OR 36, 95% CI 7.8-163; OR 24, 95% CI 6.4-85; and OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.3-7.2). Aphasia/dysphasia lowered the chance of TND being classified as symptomatic seizure together with a longer TND duration (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.6; and OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84-0.99). Treatment with anti-epileptic drugs was related to unfavorable functional outcome (aOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.4-20.7). CONCLUSION: TND was not a rare phenomenon in our cohort of CSDH patients. A TND episode of 5 min, aphasia/dysphasia and/or absence of 'positive' symptoms are suggestive of a different TND pathophysiology than symptomatic seizures. Our results further suggest that treatment of TND in CSDH deserves careful consideration as management choices might influence patient outcome.

Relevance of comorbidities and antithrombotic medication as risk factors for reoperation in patients with chronic subdural hematoma.

In an aging Western society, the incidence of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) is continuously increasing. In this study, we reviewed our clinical management of cSDH patients and identified predictive factors for the need of reoperation due to residual or recurrent hematomas with a focus on the use of antithrombotic drugs. In total, 623 patients who were treated for cSDH with surgical evacuation between 2006 and 2016 at our department were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and radiological characteristics and laboratory parameters were investigated as possible predictors of reoperation with univariate and multivariate analyses. Additionally, clinical outcome measures were compared between patients on anticoagulants, on antiplatelets, and without antithrombotic medication. In univariate analyses, patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelets presented significantly more often with comorbidities, were significantly older, and their risk for perioperative complications was significantly increased. Nevertheless, their clinical outcome was comparable to that of patients without antithrombotics. In multivariate analysis, only the presence of comorbidities, but not antithrombotics, was an independent predictor for the need for reoperations. Patients on antithrombotics do not seem to necessarily have a significantly increased risk for residual hematomas or rebleeding requiring reoperation after cSDH evacuation. More precisely, the presence of predisposing comorbidities might be a key independent risk factor for reoperation. Importantly, the clinical outcomes after surgical evacuation of cSDH are comparable between patients on anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and without antithrombotics.

Incidence of surgery for chronic subdural hematoma in Finland during 1997-2014: a nationwide study.

OBJECTIVE: The number of surgeries performed for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) has increased. However, these changes have been poorly reported. The authors aimed to assess the national incidence of surgeries for CSDH in Finland during an 18-year time period from 1997 to 2014. They hypothesized that the incidence of CSDH surgeries has continued to increase, particularly among the elderly. METHODS: A nationwide register-based follow-up study was performed using the Finnish Care Register for Health Care. All adult patients undergoing primary CSDH surgeries during 1997-2014 were included. The study population was followed up from the time of CSDH surgery until death or the end of follow-up on December 31, 2017. The incidences of CSDH surgery per 100,000 person-years were calculated separately in each age group and sex. Age standardization was performed for those 20 years of age and older with weights from the 2013 European Standard Population. Negative binomial regression models were used to assess changes in incidence rate ratios (IRRs) during the study period. RESULTS: In total, 9280 patients were identified. The age-standardized incidence of CSDH surgery increased from 12.2 to 16.5 per 100,000 person-years during 1997-2014. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence of CSDH surgery increased by 30% (IRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.20-1.41). The age- and sex-adjusted incidence increased more in the older age groups, with an IRR of 1.24 for those aged 60-69 years, 1.32 for those 70-79 years, 1.46 for those 80-89 years, and 1.85 for those aged 90 years or older. The adjusted incidence did not increase for those aged 18-59 years. The sex difference (2:1 men/women) was consistent throughout the study period, with a higher incidence among men. One year after the primary surgery, 19% of the population had a resurgery, and the 1-year case fatality rate was 15%. The median age of patients increased from 73 to 76 years. CONCLUSIONS: During the past 2 decades, the age- and sex-adjusted incidence of CSDH surgery has increased in Finland, with major increases for those aged 60 years or older. This increase is likely to continue in parallel with the aging population and increased life expectancies.

External Hydrocephalus as a Cause of Infant Subdural Hematoma: Epidemiological and Radiological Investigations of Infants Suspected of Being Abused.

BACKGROUND: Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) and chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in infants have been regarded as highly specific for abuse. Other causes of CSDH have not been investigated in a large population. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate to what extent external hydrocephalus is present in infants with ASDH and CSDH undergoing evaluation for abuse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-five infants suspected of being abused, with ASDH (n = 16) or CSDH (n = 69), were reviewed regarding age, risk factor profiles, craniocortical width (CCW), sinocortical width (SCW), frontal interhemispheric width (IHW), subarachnoid space width (SSW), and head circumference (HC). In infants with unilateral subdural hematoma (SDH), correlations between contralateral SSW and ipsilateral CCW and SDH width were investigated. RESULTS: Infants with CSDH had significantly lower mortality, were more often premature and male, and had significantly higher CCW, SCW, IHW, and SSW than infants with ASDH (P < 0.05). Ipsilateral CCW (R = 0.92, P < 0.001) and SDH width (R = 0.81, P < 0.01) correlated with contralateral SSW. Increased HC was more prevalent in infants with CSDH (71%) than in infants with ASDH (14%) (P < 0.01). Forty-two infants, all with CSDH, had at least one of CCW, SCW, or IHW ≥95th percentile. Twenty infants, all with CSDH, had CCW, SCW, and IHW >5 mm, in addition to increased HC. CONCLUSION: A substantial proportion of infants with CSDH who had been suspected of being abused had findings suggesting external hydrocephalus.

Chronic Subdural Hematoma Drainage Under Local Anesthesia with Sedation versus General Anesthesia and Its Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Burr hole drainage is the criterion standard treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), a common neurosurgical condition. However, apart from the surgical technique, the method of anesthesia also has a significant impact on postoperative patient outcome. Currently, there are limited studies comparing the use of local anesthesia with sedation (LA sedation) versus general anesthesia (GA) in the drainage of CSDH. The objective of this study was to compare the morbidity and mortality outcomes of using LA sedation versus GA in CSDH burr hole drainage. METHODS: This retrospective study presents a total of 257 operations in 243 patients from 2 hospitals. A total of 130 cases were operated under LA sedation in hospital 1 and 127 cases under GA in hospital 2. Patient demographics and presenting features were similar at baseline. RESULTS: Values are shown as LA sedation versus GA. Postoperatively, most patients recovered well in both groups with Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4-5 (96.2% vs. 88.2%, respectively). The postoperative morbidity was significantly increased by an odds ratio of 5.44 in the GA group compared with the LA sedation group (P = 0.005). The mortality was also significantly higher in the GA group (n = 5, 3.9%) than the LA sedation group (n = 0, 0.0%; P = 0.028). The CSDH recurrence rate was 4.6% in the LA sedation group versus 6.3% in the GA group. No intraoperative conversion from LA sedation to GA was reported. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that CSDH drainage under LA sedation is safe and efficacious, with a significantly lower risk of postoperative mortality and morbidity when compared with GA.

Paediatric chronic subdural haematoma: what are the predisposing factors and outcomes in management of these cases?

INTRODUCTION: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a disease of the elderly population. Incidence in paediatric population is relatively uncommon. Child abuse, birth trauma, coagulopathy and shunt surgeries represent major causes. Major impact of the disease on life of patient due to recurrence and repeat surgical procedure is significant, not to mention the burden on health care system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our institute data for chronic sub-dural cases for the past 10 years (2008-2018) and collected data on the demography, clinical features, metabolic workup, mode of treatment, recurrence rates, predisposing factors, laterality, hematoma characteristics and factors associated with recurrence in all cases with less than or equal to 18 years of age. RESULTS: A total of 30 such cases were found in a period of 10 years (2008-2018). The mean patient age was 7.3 years (range 2 months-17 years), with 20 males (66.67%) and 10 females (33.33%). Raised intracranial pressure (n = 9) was the commonest presenting symptom in 30% of cases followed by seizures in 26.67% (n = 8). The previous shunt was the commonest predisposing factor seen in 43.33% (n = 13). cSDHs were unilateral in 56.67% cases (n = 17) and bilateral in 43.33% (n = 13). Burr hole craniostomy was done in 27 cases (90%), and conservative management was done in three cases (10%). Follow up was available for 27 cases (90%) with a mean follow up duration of 24 months. Recurrence rate was 30% (n = 9). Shunt surgery contributed to 77% of bilateral disease (p = 0.009). Child abuse was not reported in our series. CONCLUSION: Presence of paediatric cSDH is alarming, and the physician should be alerted to look for underlying cause and rule out child abuse. Detailed metabolic, skeletal workup is required. Treatment of primary pathology should be the goal as CSF diversion is not the solution to all problems, but can definitely be the cause of all the problems.

Effects of postoperative atorvastatin use in elderly patients with chronic subdural hematoma.

OBJECTIVE: Atorvastatin has been suggested to reduce hematoma volume and improve neurological outcomes in patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, the benefits and harms of atorvastatin use after surgery in elderly patients are not well studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective trial to analyze older people (> 60 years) with CSDH, those who were treated with surgical intervention. Patients were assigned to study group if they received oral atorvastatin after surgery at least 1 week, and patients without atorvastatin medication postoperatively were assigned to control group. The primary outcome was the overall rate of recurrence at 1 month after surgery. The main secondary endpoints were the scores on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), hematoma volume, mortality, and complications after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 49 eligible patients were included - 21 in the study group and 28 in the control group. The baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. At 1 month, recurrence of subdual hematoma requiring repeat surgery was reported in 4 of 21 patients (19.0%) in the study group and in 5 of 28 patients (17.9%) in the control group (p=0.915). The hematoma volume was similar between the 2 groups (p=0.979). A favorable outcome (a score of 2 or less on the mRS) occurred in 90.5% of patients in the study group and in 96.4% of those in the control group (p=0.390). CONCLUSIONS: In older people with CSDH, postoperative atorvastatin use barely reduces the incidence of recurrence and hematoma volume.

Retrospective analysis of 195 surgically treated cases of chronic subdural hematoma.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is increasing. This study evaluates the etiologic causes and findings of CSDH and compared unilateral CSDH with bilateral CSDH. This study aims to draw attention to this increasingly prevalent condition. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 195 surgically treated cases of CSDH in our clinic between 2008 and 2018. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 65.7 ± 19.6 years. The most common symptom was headache (53.3%). The case background was the use of anticoagulant (37.9%), head trauma (34.3%). The hematomas were 28.7% right side, 44.6% left side, and 26.7% bilateral. The mean Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) was 13.4 ± 2.9, early postop 13.8 ± 2.5, and late postop was 14.6 ± 1.1. Postoperative complications included acute subdural hematoma (5.1%), cerebral infarction (1.5%), wound infection (0.5%) and others (13.3%). Re-expansion of the brain were statistically significantly less frequent and impaired consciousness, anticoagulant use, early and late postop thickness were statistically significantly more frequent in patients with bilateral CSDH. CONCLUSIONS: CSDH is seen more patients of advanced age, those who use anticoagulants, patients with hypertension and diabetes and in patients with a history of head trauma. Prognosis is worse in bilateral CSDH. We estimate that the incidence of CSDH will go up in the future.

Demographic Profile and Outcome in Surgically Managed Patients with Chronic Subdural Haematoma: A 9-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is achronic inflammatory and angiogenic condition that is potentially fatal and common among the elderly with a probability of gender, racial and ethnic differences. As our population ages due to increase in our life expectancy, a closer look at this disease in our environment is therefore justified. OBJECTIVES: Our objective is to evaluate the epidemiology, relationship of demography, procedure type and mode of anaesthesia on outcome in the patients. METHODS: Retrospective analyses of patients with CSDHs treated by single burrhole, over a 9-year period was performed. Patients' biodata, type of surgery, mode of anaesthesia and discharge outcome were noted. Data were analysed with chisquare, independent t test and multivariate binary regression. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistical significance. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-four patients were managed during the study period. The male-to-female ratio was 2:1 with mean age of 61.4 years. The peak age range was in the seventh decade. Recurrence and mortality rates were 2.7% and 6.8% respectively. Age was significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: The study showed a male preponderance. Age was significantly associated with mortality. Recurrence of CSDH was not related to patients' age, gender or mode of anaesthesia.

CONTEXTE: L'hématome sous-dural chronique (HSC) est une affection chronique inflammatoire et angiogénique potentiellement mortelle et fréquente chez les personnes âgées avec une probabilité de différences entre les sexes, les races et les ethnies. Comme notre population vieillit en raison de l'augmentation de notre espérance de vie, un examen plus approfondi de cette maladie dans notre environnement est donc justifié. OBJECTIFS: Notre objectif est d'évaluer l'épidémiologie, la relation entre la démographie, le type de procédure et le mode d'anesthésie sur le résultat chez les patients. MÉTHODES: Nous avons effectué une analyse rétrospective des patients atteints de CSDH traités par un seul trou de bavure, sur une période de 9 ans. Les données personnelles des patients, le type de chirurgie, le mode d'anesthésie et le résultat de la sortie ont été notés. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide du test de Chisquare, du test t indépendant et de la régression binaire multivariée. Les valeurs de p < 0,05 ont été considérées comme statistiquement significatives. RÉSULTATS: Deux cent soixante-quatre patients ont été pris en charge pendant la période d'étude. Le rapport homme/femme était de 2:1 avec un âge moyen de 61,4 ans. La tranche d'âge maximale se situait dans la septième décennie. Les taux de récidive et de mortalité étaient respectivement de 2,7 % et 6,8 %. L'âge était significativement associé à la mortalité. CONCLUSION: L'étude a montré une prépondérance masculine. L'âge était significativement associé à la mortalité. La récurrence du CSDH n'était pas liée à l'âge, au sexe ou au mode d'anesthésie des patients. Mots-clés: Âge, Hématome sous-dural chronique, Anesthésie locale, Trou de bavure unique.