Prognostic Factors in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Hospital Based Prospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a form of stroke syndrome results from the rupture of an intracerebral vessel leading to the development of a hematoma in the substance of the brain. Incidence rates are particularly high in Asians and Blacks. Attempts are made to prognosticate ICH patients and manage them accordingly. This is particularly important for the socioeconomic profile of the patients availing our services. Methods: All together 90 patients of ICH were taken up in this study done in Gauhati Medical College and Hospital during the period from July 2013 to June 2015. Patients were diagnosed on the basis of a thorough medical history, a full neurological examination, standardized blood tests and CT scan of the brain. Prognostication was done on the basis of clinical and radiological findings. Prognosis was assessed as good or bad outcome on the 15th day based on neurological examination. Statistical analysis was done by using the chi-square test, fisher's t-test and student's t-test wherever applicable. Results: In our study 35.55% patients showed bad outcome. Increasing age, low level of consciousness, low GCS score, bilateral limb weakness, high blood pressure, gaze palsies, pupillary abnormalities and CT brain findings of higher volume (>=30 ml) of hematoma, midline shift, intraventricular extension and a high ICH score were associated with bad outcome.