Japanese Nationwide Questionnaire Survey on the Treatment and Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Due to Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm.

Background

Since clazosentan was approved for insurance coverage in Japan, the postoperative management of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has changed as each facility gains experience. Here, we investigate the prevention, treatment, and management of DCI after SAH throughout Japan in 2023.

Methods

In 2024, we conducted an anonymous questionnaire survey-emailed to certified neurosurgeons in hospitals across Japan-regarding management for preventing DCI after aneurysmal SAH. Of them, 78 hospitals responded and were included in this study. These results were compared with the findings of a survey conducted prior to the approval of clazosentan in Japan (2022).

Results

The proportion of institutions with a standardized protocol for DCI after aneurysmal SAH at a level of ≥50% was 93.0%. For both craniotomy and endovascular surgery, clazosentan was used most frequently, followed by cilostazol, fasudil, and statins. The most common drug for both direct and endovascular procedures was clazosentan. The predominant reason for discontinuing clazosentan was respiratory complications-such as pulmonary edema-followed by cardiac complications. However, 62.1% of facilities felt that the number of cases wherein clazosentan was discontinued was deceasing. While 77.5% of respondents felt that clazosentan was effective for preventing DCI after aneurysmal SAH, only 49.3% felt that it improved outcomes.

Conclusions

Since its approval, clazosentan has been the most common treatment for DCI prevention after aneurysmal SAH. The impression of the effectiveness in preventing DCI and the outcomes of clazosentan have been mixed. As data accumulate, clazosentan use and management protocols will be refined and developed.