Factors Influencing the Mortality of Patients with Subarachnoid Haemorrhage in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) represents a significant cerebrovascular disease with considerable morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the demographic/clinical characteristics of spontaneous SAH patients admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) and factors affecting the mortality. Methods: This study was designed as a retrospective cohort study that included patients with a diagnosis of spontaneous SAH hospitalized in the ICU. The clinical and radiological parameters were compared between mortality and survival cohorts. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed for the effect profiles of the parameters on mortality. Results: ICU mortality was 41% in patients with spontaneous SAH. A number of factors have been identified as being independently associated with mortality in the studied cohort. These factors are hospital admission with loss of consciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale score <8), a high Clinical Comorbidity Index score, stage >2 according to the Hunt and Hess grading system and complication status (meningitis and sepsis/septic shock). Conclusions: Spontaneous SAH is a condition associated with a high mortality in severe cases. Patients exhibiting these risk factors require meticulous monitoring in the ICU.