Resumption of Antithrombotic Agents in Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

The clinical decision whether and when to resume antithrombotics in patients with chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) postoperatively is limited by a lack of quality evidence exploring this topic. Our study aims to assess the available evidence of patient complication outcomes, specifically hemorrhagic and thromboembolic events, following the resumption or non-resumption of antithrombotic agents postoperatively in CSDH patients already on these agents before CSDH.

METHODS

We followed recommended PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Electronic database searches were performed to identify included studies. Data were extracted and analyzed using meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included for analysis. The most common indication for antithrombotic treatment before onset of CSDH was atrial fibrillation (29.6%), followed by prosthetic heart valve (16.6%), recent myocardial infarction (14.1%), prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (11.6%), and finally venous thromboembolism (8.3%). The overall hemorrhagic complication rate was 14.8% in the resumption group versus 18.6% in the no resumption group (P = 0.591). This did not differ between early (<2 weeks) versus late (>1 month) resumption (15% vs. 18.6%, P = 0.97). The rate of thromboembolism however was statistically lower in those who resumed antithrombotics (2.9% vs. 6.8%, P<0.001). There was a non-significant trend towards higher thromboembolic rates with early resumption (5.3% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.23).

CONCLUSIONS

The decision to resume antithrombotics postoperatively in the clinical management of CSDH patients is a complex one and should therefore be a highly individualized process. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that in selected cases, it is feasible to resume early antithrombotic treatment without additional hemorrhagic or thromboembolic risk.