Hematoma Expansion Predictors: Laboratory and Radiological Risk Factors in Patients with Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Prospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is considered a devastating neurologic emergency and carried a higher morbidity and mortality rates. Early hematoma expansion (HE) is considered one of the poor prognostic factors after ICH. Consequently, determination of the possible risk factors for HE could be effective in early detection of high-risk patients and hence directing management course aiming to improving ICH outcome.

METHODS: One-hundred and thirty-six spontaneous ICH patients were included and prospectively evaluated for the presence of HE. Demographic, laboratory, and certain radiological factors were studied and compared between those with HE and those without, the in-hospital mortality rates were assessed as well.

RESULTS: HE was observed in 30% of the studied cohort, those who developed HE had more neurologic impairment (Glasgow coma scale, median 9; National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, median 34), and higher in-hospital mortality rate (53.6%) than those without HE. HE was related to the presence of higher red blood cell distribution width (RDW), reduced total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-C (LDL-C), and Ca levels. Among the radiological factors, hematoma density (heterogeneous), and shape (irregular) are highly related to the occurrence of HE. The computed tomography angiography (CTA) spot sign among patients with ICH was associated with HE development.

CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal RDW; low cholesterol, LDL, and Ca level; heterogeneous density, irregular shape hemorrhage, and presence of CTA spot sign were associated with the development of HE in the setting of spontaneous ICH.