Outcomes following surgery in subgroups of comatose and very elderly patients with chronic subdural hematoma

A proposed stratification system to address the heterogeneity of Subdural Hematoma Outcome reporting in the literature

A major challenge within the academic literature on SDHs has been inconsistent outcomes reported across studies. Historically, patients have been categorized by the blood-product age identified on imaging (i.e., acute, subacute, or chronic). However, this schematic has likely played a central role in producing the heterogeneity encountered in the literature. In this investigation, a total of 494 patients that underwent SDH evacuation at a tertiary medical center between November 2013-December 2021 were retrospectively identified. Mechanism of injury was reviewed by the authors and categorized as either positive or negative for a high-velocity impact (HVI) injury. Any head strike injury leading to the formation of a SDH while traveling at a velocity beyond that of normal locomotion or daily activities was categorized as an HVI. Patients were subsequently stratified by those with an acute SDHs after a high-velocity impact (aSDHHVI), those with an acute SDH without a high-velocity impact injury (aSDHWO), and those with any combination of subacute or chronic blood products (mixed-SDH [mSDH]). Nine percent (n = 44) of patients experienced an aSDHHVI, 23% (n = 113) aSDHWO, and 68% (n = 337) mSDH. Between these groups, highly distinct patient populations were identified using several metrics for comparison. Most notably, aSDHHVI had a significantly worse neurological status at discharge (50% vs. 23% aSDHWO vs. 8% mSDH; p < 0.001) and mortality (25% vs. 8% aSDHWO vs. 4% mSDH; p < 0.001). Controlling for gender, midline shift (mm), and anticoagulation use in the acute SDH population, multivariable logistic regression revealed a 6.85x odds ratio (p < 0.001) for poor outcomes in those with a positive history for a high-velocity impact injury. As such, the distribution of patients that suffer an HVI related acute SDH versus those that do not can significantly affect the outcomes reported. Adoption of this stratification system will help address the heterogeneity of SDH reporting in the literature while still closely aligning with conventional reporting.

Clinical Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Validation of Irrigation Assignment Based on Hematoma Characteristics

The number of elderly patients with chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) is increasing worldwide; however, there is limited data regarding the clinical outcomes in this population. Our therapeutic method using burr hole evacuation for CSDH is based on the hematoma characteristics, using simple drainage for single-layer lesions and drainage with irrigation for multiple-layer lesions. This study aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of elderly and younger patients, identify the predictors of outcomes in elderly patients, and verify the validity of our therapeutic methods. In total, we included 214 patients who underwent burr hole evacuation between April 2018 and March 2022. Baseline characteristics, hematoma characteristics, recurrence, and clinical outcomes were compared between the elderly and younger patients. Overall, 96 elderly patients (44.9%) were included in the study, and more elderly patients underwent antithrombotic therapy than younger patients (33.3% vs. 19.5%, p = 0.027). Moreover, elderly patients had significantly fewer favorable outcomes than younger patients (70.8% vs. 91.5%; p < 0.001); however, this was not significant after adjusting for the baseline modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Similarly, elderly patients had higher recurrence rates than younger patients (10.4% vs. 2.5%; p = 0.021). However, the baseline mRS score was the only predictor of unfavorable outcomes. In conclusion, although the clinical outcomes of elderly patients were comparable to those of younger patients, the higher rate of preoperative antithrombotic therapy in elderly patients may result in a higher rate of recurrence requiring a long-term follow-up.

Extreme-aged patients (≥ 85 years) experience similar outcomes as younger geriatric patients following chronic subdural hematoma evacuation: a matched cohort study

Subdural hematoma (SDH) evacuation represents one of the most frequently performed neurosurgical procedures. Several reports cite a rise in both the age and number of patient's requiring treatment, due in part to an aging population and expanded anticoagulation use. However, limited data and conflicting conclusions exist on extreme-aged geriatric patients (≥ 85 years of age) after undergoing surgery. Patients undergoing SDH evacuation at a tertiary academic medical center between November 2013-December 2021 were retrospectively identified. The study group consisted of patients ≥ 85 years (Group 1) diagnosed with a chronic SDH surgically evacuated. A control group was created matching patients by 70-84 years of age, gender, and anticoagulation use (Group 2). Multiple metrics were evaluated between the two including length-of hospital-stay, tracheostomy/PEG placement, reoperation rate, complications, discharge location, neurological outcome at the time of discharge, and survival. A total of 130 patients were included; 65 in Group 1 and 65 in Group 2. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, SDH characteristics, international normalized ratio, partial thromboplastin time, and use of blood thinning agents were similar between the two groups. Kaplan Meier survival analysis at one-year was 80% for Group 1 and 76% for Group 2. No significant difference was identified using the log-rank test for equality of survivor functions (p = 0.26). All measured outcomes including GCS at time of discharge, length of stay, rate of reoperations, and neurological outcome were statistically similar between the two groups. Backwards stepwise conditional logistic regression revealed no significant association between poor outcomes at the time of discharge and age. Alternatively, anticoagulation use was found to be associated with poor outcomes (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.08-11.60; p = 0.036). Several outcome metrics and statistical analyses were used to compare patients ≥ 85 years of age to younger geriatric patients (70-84 years) in a matched cohort study. Adjusting for age group, gender, and anticoagulation use, no significant difference was found between the two groups including neurological outcome at discharge, reoperation rate, and survival.

Predicting the progression of chronic subdural hematoma based on skull density

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate potential correlations between skull density and the progression of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH).

Methods

Patients with unilateral CSDH were retrospectively enrolled between January 2018 and December 2022. Demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as hematoma and skull density (Hounsfield unit, Hu), were collected and analyzed.

Results

The study enrolled 830 patients with unilateral CSDH until the resolution of the CDSH or progressed with surgical treatment. Of the total, 488 patients (58.80%) necessitated surgical treatment. The study identified a significant correlation between the progression of CSDH and three variables: minimum skull density (MiSD), maximum skull density (MaSD), and skull density difference (SDD) (p < 0.001). Additionally, in the multivariable regression analysis, MiSD, MaSD, and SDD were independent predictors of CSDH progression. The MiSD + SDD model exhibited an accuracy of 0.88, as determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, with a sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.88. The model's accuracy was validated through additional analysis.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a significant correlation between skull density and the CSDH progression.

The 5-item modified frailty index predicts spinal osteotomy outcomes better than age in adult spinal deformity patients: an ACS - NSQIP analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the utility of 5-Item Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5) as compared to chronological age in predicting outcomes of spinal osteotomy in Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) patients.

METHODS

Using Current Procedural and Terminology (CPT) codes, the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried for adult patients undergoing spinal osteotomy from 2015 to 2019. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of baseline frailty status, measured by mFI-5 score, and chronological age on postoperative outcomes. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to analyze the discriminative performance of age versus mFI-5.

RESULTS

A total of 1,789 spinal osteotomy patients (median age 62 years) were included in the analysis. Among the patients assessed, 38.5% (n = 689) were pre-frail, 14.6% frail (n = 262), and 2.2% (n = 39) severely frail using the mFI-5. Based on the multivariate analysis, increasing frailty tier was associated with worsening outcomes, and higher odds ratios (OR) for poor outcomes were found for increasing frailty tiers as compared to age. Severe frailty was associated with the worst outcomes, e.g., unplanned readmission (OR 9.618, [95% CI 4.054-22.818], p < 0.001) and major complications (OR 5.172, [95% CI 2.271-11.783], p < 0.001). In the ROC curve analysis, mFI-5 score (AUC 0.838) demonstrated superior discriminative performance than age (AUC 0.601) for mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The mFI5 frailty score was found to be a better predictor than age of worse postoperative outcomes in ASD patients. Incorporating frailty in preoperative risk stratification is recommended in ASD surgery.

Non-surgical patient characteristics best predict outcome after 6 months in patients surgically treated for chronic subdural haematoma

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common conditions encountered in neurosurgical practice. After surgery, the patients often improve dramatically; but their long-term outcome is more uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of outcome 6 months after surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective data were collected on patients in Orebro County, Sweden, who had undergone surgery for CSDH at the Orebro University Hospital between 2013 and 2019. The outcomes were defined as favourable or unfavourable in terms of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A favourable outcome was defined as either mRS 0-2 or an unchanged mRS score in patients scoring 3-5 before surgery. From the variables in the data collected, a multiple logistic regression model was constructed.

RESULTS

The study comprised 180 patients, of whom 134 (74.4%) were male. Median age was 79.2 years (IQR 71.7-85.5), and 129 (71.7%) patients had a favourable outcome at 6 months. In the group with an unfavourable outcome, 18 (10%) had died and 33 (18.3%) had either lost their independence in daily living or become somewhat less independent. The final multiple logistic regression model consisted of pre-surgery variables only: age (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.97), CRP (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99), GCS > 13 (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.09-12.3), Hb (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05), and ASA score < 3 (OR 2.58, 95% CI 0.98-6.79). The whole model had an AUC of 0.88.

CONCLUSION

CSDH requiring surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality at 6 months after surgery. Age, CRP, GCS, Hb and ASA score on admission for surgery are the variables that best predicts outcome. This knowledge can help to identify the patients at greatest risk for an unfavourable outcome, who may need additional support from the health care system.

UNSTRUCTURED ABSTRACT

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common conditions encountered in neurosurgical practice. After surgery, the patients often improve dramatically; but their long-term outcome is more uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of outcome, in terms of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), 6 months after surgery. The study comprised 180 patients, of whom 134 (74.4%) were male. Median age was 79.2 years (IQR 71.7-85.5), and 129 (71.7%) patients had a favourable outcome at 6 months. In the group with an unfavourable outcome, 18 (10%) had died and 33 (18.3%) had either lost their independence in daily living or become somewhat less independent. The final multiple logistic regression model consisted of pre-surgery variables only: age (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.97), CRP (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99), GCS > 13 (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.09-12.3), Hb (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05), and ASA score < 3 (OR 2.58, 95% CI 0.98-6.79). The whole model had an AUC of 0.88. In conclusion, CSDH requiring surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality at 6 months after surgery. Age, CRP, GCS, Hb and ASA score on admission for surgery are the variables that best predicts outcome. This knowledge can help to identify the patients at greatest risk for an unfavourable outcome, who may need additional support from the health care system.

Subdural evacuating port system with subdural thrombolysis for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma in patients older than 80 years

Objective

The subdural evacuating port system (SEPS) is a minimally invasive approach that can be performed under local anesthesia for the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Subdural thrombolysis has been described as an exhaustive drainage strategy and found to be safe and effective for improving drainage. We aim to analyze the effectiveness of SEPS with subdural thrombolysis in patients older than 80 years.

Method

Consecutive patients aged ≥80 years old who presented with symptomatic CSDH and underwent SEPS followed by subdural thrombolysis between January 2014 and February 2021 were retrospectively studied. Outcome measures included complications, mortality, recurrence, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge and 3 months.

Results

In total, 52 patients with CSDH in 57 hemispheres were operated on, with a mean age of 83.9 ± 3.3 years, and 40 (76.9%) patients were men. The preexisting medical comorbidities were observed in 39 patients (75.0%). Postoperative complications occurred in nine patients (17.3%), with two having significant complications (3.8%). The complications observed included pneumonia (11.5%), acute epidural hematoma (3.8%), and ischemic stroke (3.8%). One patient experienced contralateral malignant middle cerebral artery infarction and died of subsequent severe herniation, contributing to a perioperative mortality rate of 1.9%. Discharge and 3 months of favorable outcomes (mRS score 0-3) were achieved in 86.5% and 92.3% of patients, respectively. CSDH recurrence was observed in five patients (9.6%), and repeat SEPS was performed.

Conclusion

As an exhaustive drainage strategy, SEPS followed by thrombolysis is safe and effective with excellent outcomes among elderly patients. It is a technically easy and less invasive procedure with similar complications, mortality, and recurrence rates compared with burr-hole drainage in the literature.

Challenges and opportunities in the care of chronic subdural haematoma: perspectives from a multi-disciplinary working group on the need for change

INTRODUCTION

A chronic subdural haematoma (cSDH) is a collection of altered blood products between the dura and brain resulting in a slowly evolving neurological deficit. It is increasingly common and, in high income countries, affects an older, multimorbid population. With changing demographics improving the care of this cohort is of increasing importance.

METHODS

We convened a cross-disciplinary working group (the 'Improving Care in Elderly Neurosurgery Initiative') in October 2020. This comprised experts in neurosurgical care and a range of perioperative stakeholders. An Implementation Science framework was used to structure discussions around the challenges of cSDH care within the United Kingdom. The outcomes of these discussions were recorded and summarised, before being circulated to all attendees for comment and refinement.

RESULTS

The working group identified four key requirements for improving cSDH care: (1) data, audit, and natural history; (2) evidence-based guidelines and pathways; (3) shared decision-making; and (4) an overarching quality improvement strategy. Frequent transfers between care providers were identified as impacting on both perioperative care and presenting a barrier to effective data collection and teamworking. Improvement initiatives must be cognizant of the complex, system-wide nature of the problem, and may require a combination of targeted trials at points of clinical equipoise (such as anesthetic technique or anticoagulant management), evidence-based guideline development, and a cycle of knowledge acquisition and implementation.

CONCLUSION

The care of cSDH is a growing clinical problem. Lessons may be learned from the standardised pathways of care such as those as used in hip fracture and stroke. A defined care pathway for cSDH, encompassing perioperative care and rehabilitation, could plausibly improve patient outcomes but work remains to tailor such a pathway to cSDH care. The development of such a pathway at a national level should be a priority, and the focus of future work.

A Validation Study of Kwon's Prognostic Scoring System for Chronic Subdural Hematoma

OBJECTIVE

Surgery for chronic subdural hematoma is one of the most frequent operations in neurosurgical practice. Chronic subdural hematoma mostly afflicts the elderly population. In 2018, Kwon and co-workers, published the Kwon scoring system (KSS), whereby 6 clinical and radiological factors are used to facilitate, and promote quality in, surgical decision-making and counseling of relatives. The aim of this study is to validate the KSS.

METHODS

Patients operated on for unilateral chronic subdural hematoma at Örebro University Hospital, Sweden, between 2013 and 2019 constituted the study population. General data and the 6 outcome predictors according to the KSS were extracted from the electronic patient records. The preoperative modified Rankin Scale score and the postoperative 6-month modified Rankin Scale score were assessed.

RESULTS

We identified 133 patients (69.2% male) with a median age of 80.2 years (interquartile range 72.6-85.9). The median Glasgow Coma Scale score at admission was 15; 57.1% had motor deficits and 36.81% were disoriented. For 39.1% of the patients, the prognosis was a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-1) at 6 months. The median KSS score was 9; 63.9% of the patients scored ≥9, and 36 (42.4%) of these patients actually achieved a favorable outcome. This corresponds to a prediction model sensitivity of 0.667 and specificity of 0.424. A receiver operator characteristic curve analysis of the model yielded an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.62441.

CONCLUSIONS

In our material, the KSS did not predict outcome precisely enough to base treatment decisions or counseling of relatives on the scores obtained.

Functional Outcome in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Postoperative Delirium and Operative Procedure

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical condition and neurological condition improves after treatment in most patients. Recently more patients have poor prognosis because of aging of the population and presence of multiple comorbidities. The risk factors for poor prognosis, including postoperative delirium, were retrospectively evaluated to assess appropriate operative procedures. This study included 108 patients who underwent primary surgery from 2016 to 2017 at a single center. Operative procedures were drainage with or without irrigation. Functional outcome at discharge assessed the effect of various factors including postoperative delirium and operative procedure. Twenty-nine of 108 patients (27%) had worsened modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge, most with mobility disturbance or deteriorated cognitive function. Multivariate analysis found higher age (odds ratio [OR] = 5.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.0-1.14), poor pre-hospital mRS score (OR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.0-2.46), and preoperative consciousness disturbance caused by CSDH (OR = 5.13; 95% CI = 1.27-20) were significant predictors of poor outcome. Operative procedure was not significantly related to functional outcome or recurrence, but irrigation was significantly related to postoperative delirium (OR = 4.83; 95% CI = 1.09-21.7). Patients with postoperative delirium were likely to require longer hospitalization stays (P = 0.028). Higher age, poor pre-hospital mRS, and preoperative consciousness disturbance caused by CSDH are the risk factors for poor recovery after CSDH. Irrigation is significantly likely to cause postoperative delirium and longer hospital stay.

Using Local Anesthesia for Burr Hole Surgery of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Reduces Postoperative Complications, Length of Stay, and Hospitalization Cost: A Retrospective Cohort Study From a Single Center

PURPOSE

The purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of local anesthesia (LA) and general anesthesia (GA) on the surgical process and postoperative recovery of patients with unilateral chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with unilateral CSDH who underwent burr hole surgery between the years 2013 and 2018. Patients who received local anesthesia were allocated to the LA group, and the patients who received general anesthesia were allocated to the GA group. The clinical data, postoperative complication, length of stay, and hospitalization cost of these two groups were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

Data from 105 patients was collected for this study. Fifty one patients were assigned to the LA group and 54 to GA group. The duration of anesthesia and operation of the LA group was 37.71 (10.55) min; while for the GA group the duration was 56.04 (8.37) min (p < 0.001). The time from operation to discharge in GA group was greatly longer than that in LA group [(8.51 (1.49) days vs. 10.46 (2.34) days, respectively; p < 0.001]. Hospitalization cost for LA group was 2,721.54 (504.66) USD, which was significantly lesser than that for GA patients [3,314.82 (493.52) USD; p < 0.001]. The total number of complications in LA patients was less than that in GA patients [6 vs. 29 cases, respectively; p < 0.001]. The number of patients with residual hematoma in the LA group was <that in the GA group (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

As compared to GA, LA might be a simpler, safer, and more effective method for burr hole surgery of CSDH to promote patients' recovery. However, further research is still required to confirm this conclusion.

Surgical Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a form of intracranial hemorrhage common in older adults. Optimal treatment remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review to identify surgical thresholds, characterize outcomes, and delineate critical considerations in the surgical management of older adults in order to summarize the evidence supporting the best contemporary management of cSDH.

METHODS

A systematic review exploring surgical management of cSDH among individuals aged 65 years and older was conducting by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for articles in English. Abstracts from articles were read and selected for full-text review according to a priori criteria. Relevant full-text articles were analyzed for bibliographic data, aim, study design, population, interventions, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 1473 resultant articles, 21 were included. Surgery rationale was case-by-case for symptomatic patients with cSDH. Surgery was superior to conservative management and promoted equivalent neurologic outcomes and rates of complications. Recurrence and reoperation rates in older adults were similar to younger individuals. Some studies reported higher mortality rates for older adults, while others reported no difference. Anticoagulation or antiplatelet agent use did not seem to be associated with poorer outcomes in older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for cSDH in older adults leads to favorable neurologic outcomes without increased risk of overall complications, recurrence, or reoperation compared to younger patients. However, older adults may be at increased risk for mortality after surgery. It is important to determine use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents in older adults to optimally manage patients with cSDH.

Use of the Subdural Hematoma in the Elderly (SHE) Score to Predict 30-Day Mortality After Chronic Subdural Hematoma Evacuation

BACKGROUND

The Subdural Hematoma in the Elderly (SHE) score has been recently developed to assess the 30-day mortality in acute and chronic subdural hematomas in patients >65 years and has shown good reliability. We aimed to validate the SHE score's accuracy to predict 30-day mortality on a homogeneous cohort of patients undergoing surgical chronic subdural hematoma evacuation at our Institution. We also investigated whether the SHE score could reliably predict the occurrence of 30-day chronic subdural hematoma recurrence needing surgery.

METHODS

We included patients from our prospectively collected database from January 2018 to January 2021. Patients with the availability of the following information were enrolled: age, Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, hematoma volume, medical history, and outcome at 30 days. The SHE score was calculated for each patient, and the association between greater scores and 30-day mortality was investigated and its ability to predict 30-day and disease recurrence. Statistical significance was assessed for P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty-one patients were included. Of them, 40 (12.5%) displayed mortality within 30-day: specifically, 0% of the group of patients with SHE score = 0, 4.3% of SHE score = 1, 14.5% of SHE score = 2, 39.3% of SHE score = 3, and 37.5% of SHE score = 4, with a statistically significant linear trend between greater SHE scores and 30-day mortality rates (P < 0.001, area under the curve 0.75 [0.67-0.82]). No significant association of the SHE score with the risk of recurrence needing surgery was detected (P = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The SHE score proved helpful in predicting 30-day mortality in patients with chronic subdural hematomas, but no utility was observed to predict disease recurrence.

Study Protocol on Defining Core Outcomes and Data Elements in Chronic Subdural Haematoma

BACKGROUND

Core Outcome Sets (COSs) are necessary to standardize reporting in research studies. This is urgently required in the field of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), one of the most common disease entities managed in neurosurgery and the topic of several recent trials. To complement the development of a COS, a standardized definition and baseline Data Elements (DEs) to be collected in CSDH patients, would further improve study quality and comparability in this heterogeneous population.

OBJECTIVE

To, first, define a standardized COS for reporting in all future CSDH studies; and, second, to identify a unified CSDH Definition and set of DEs for reporting in future CSDH studies.

METHODS

The overall study design includes a Delphi survey process among 150 respondents from 2 main stakeholder groups: healthcare professionals or researchers (HCPRs) and Patients or carers. HCPR, patients and carers will all be invited to complete the survey on the COS, only the HCPR survey will include questions on definition and DE.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

It is expected that the COS, definition, and DE will be developed through this Delphi survey and that these can be applied in future CSDH studies. This is necessary to help align future research studies on CSDH and to understand the effects of different treatments on patient function and recovery.

DISCUSSION

This Delphi survey should result in consensus on a COS and a standardized CSDH Definition and DEs to be used in future CSDH studies.

Mortality of older patients with dementia after surgery for chronic subdural hematoma: a nationwide study

BACKGROUND

dementia is associated with an excess risk of death but mortality after chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) evacuation in older people with dementia is unknown. We assessed the association between dementia and 1-year case-fatality in older persons undergoing CSDH evacuation.

METHODS

we conducted a nationwide Finnish cohort study including all older persons (≥60 years) undergoing CSDH evacuation during 1997-2014 (referred to as cases). We identified controls, without a diagnosis of CSDH, that were matched for age, sex and year of first hospitalisation with a new dementia diagnosis. We identified cases and controls with a pre-existing diagnosis of dementia. Outcome was 12-month mortality. Mortality was compared in case-only and case-control analyses.

RESULTS

of 7,621 included cases, 885 (12%) had a pre-existing diagnosis of dementia. The proportion of cases increased from 9.7% in 1997-2002 to 12.2% in 2012-2014 (P = 0.038 for trend). In the case-analysis, dementia independently associated with 1-year case-fatality (dementia vs. no dementia odds ratio [OR] 1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-1.78). Sensitivity analysis suggested the association to be strongest for those 60-69 years old (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.59-6.47). In the case-control matched analysis, 1-year mortality was 26% in the dementia CSDH surgery group compared to 16% in the dementia non-CSDH controls (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

dementia is a significant risk factor for 1-year mortality after CSDH surgery in older people. The proportion of older CSDH patients having a pre-existing diagnosis of dementia is increasing. Thus, there is a need for improved evidence regarding the indications and benefits of CSDH evacuation among older persons.

Mortality and Outcome in Patients Older Than 80 Years of Age Undergoing Burr-Hole Drainage of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

OBJECTIVE

Chronic subdural hematoma is frequently seen within the elderly population and neurosurgeons are confronted with patients older than 80 years presenting with symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma. However, data on surgical outcome are scarce. The aim of this study is to analyze the mortality and outcome after burr-hole drainage in patients older than 80 years.

METHODS

This is a single-center retrospective study including patients who underwent burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma between the years 2016 and 2019. The cohort was divided into 3 age groups (80-84 years; 85-89 years; >90 years). Primary outcome was 30-day and overall mortality, whereas secondary outcome measures were recurrence rates, postoperative bleeding rates, and outcome measured by the modified ranking scale. Uni- and multivariate analysis was conducted to assess for potential risk factors for mortality, recurrence and postoperative bleeding rates.

RESULTS

In total, 107 patients with a mean age of 85.5 ± 3.9 years were included. Mortality rate was less than 10% in each group, showing no significant difference between them (P = 0.455). No significant difference in recurrence and postoperative bleeding rates was seen (P = 0.491 and P = 0.532). Modified Ranking scale score differed significantly at release, whereas at follow-up no difference was seen. After uni- and multivariate analysis, age was not correlated with higher recurrence, postoperative bleeding, or mortality rates. Preoperative midline shift was found to be an independent risk factor for recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients older than 80 years undergoing burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma, age was not directly correlated with higher recurrence, postoperative bleeding, or mortality rates.

A Comparative Study of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Patients With and Without Head Trauma: A Retrospective Cross Sectional Study

Background: The clinical features of chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) in patients with and without a history of head trauma have remained unclear. Here, we investigated differences in clinical characteristics in CSDH patients with and without head trauma. Methods: We retrospectively collected clinical characteristics of CSDH patients who had undergone exhaustive drainage strategies via burr-hole craniostomies from August 2011 to May 2019. We divided patients into a trauma group (i.e., head trauma) and a no-trauma group. Chi-square tests or t-tests were used to analyze differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze the relationships between the clinical characteristics and either reduction of the hematoma cavity or length of the hospital stay in CSDH patients with trauma. Results: We collected data from 1,307 CSDH patients, among whom 805 patients had a history of head trauma whereas 502 patients did not. The mean age of patients with head trauma was 64.0 ± 16.1 years, while that of patients without head trauma was significantly younger at 61.5 ± 17.9 years (p = 0.010). Furthermore, more patients in the no-trauma group had a history of hypertension compared to those in the trauma group (40.2 vs. 32.9%, p = 0.007). Dizziness occurred in 29.2% of patients with trauma and in 23.1% of patients without trauma (p = 0.016). A greater number of patients with trauma showed a reduction of hematoma cavity after surgery compared to that of patients without trauma (p = 0.002). The length of hospital stay in patients with trauma was 7.9 ± 4.5 days, which was longer than that of patients without trauma (7.3 ± 3.7 days, p = 0.016). In contrast, there were no significant different differences between the two groups in terms of the densities of hematomas on computed-tomography scans, complications, mortality rates, recurrence rates, or outcomes. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that there were some noteworthy differences in the clinical and pathogenic characteristics of CSDH patients with and without head trauma. However, our findings also indicate that if an optimal treatment method is employed, such as our exhaustive drainage strategy, similar treatment outcomes can be achieved between these groups.

Assessment of Frailty in Predicting Surgical Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematomas: Retrospective Chart Review

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to determine if frailty, defined as modified frailty index (MFI) >2.7, correlated with worse postoperative outcomes in patients with chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs). We also compare the predictive ability of the MFI with another widely used frailty measure, the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of elderly patients (≥65 years) who underwent a twist-drill craniostomy for the evacuation of CSDH at Hamilton General Hospital, Canada, between 2016 and 2018. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge. Logistic regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic curves were carried out to further analyze the factors that influenced independence and functional improvement at discharge.

RESULTS

Frail patients were significantly more dependent at discharge (P < 0.0001) and had a lower rate of functional improvement (P = 0.003). When compared with frailty measured by the MFI, frailty as measured by the CFS had a stronger association with functional independence (odds ratio [OR]: 0.081 [0.031, 0.211] vs. OR: 0.256 [0.124, 0.529]) and functional improvement (OR: 0.272 [0.106, 0.693] vs. OR: 0.406 [0.185,0.889]) on logistic regression analyses. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that the inclusion of frailty into our predictive models improved accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients presenting with CSDH who are frail (MFI >0.27) have significantly worse functional outcomes following twist-drill craniostomies. Therefore assessing frailty in this population is important before managing these patients, and for this purpose the CFS is a superior predictor of postoperative function than the MFI.

Middle meningeal artery embolization treatment of nonacute subdural hematomas in the elderly: a multiinstitutional experience of 151 cases

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of already common chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) and other nonacute subdural hematomas (NASHs) in the elderly is expected to rise as the population ages over the coming decades. Surgical management is associated with recurrence and exposes elderly patients to perioperative and operative risks. Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization offers the potential for a minimally invasive, less morbid treatment in this age group. The clinical and radiographic outcomes after MMA embolization treatment for NASHs have not been adequately described in elderly patients. In this paper, the authors describe the clinical and radiographic outcomes after 151 cases of MMA embolization for NASHs among 121 elderly patients.

METHODS

In a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database across 15 US academic centers, the authors identified patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent MMA embolization for the treatment of NASHs between November 2017 and February 2020. Patient demographics, comorbidities, clinical and radiographic factors, treatment factors, and clinical outcomes were abstracted. Subgroup analysis was performed comparing elderly (age 65–79 years) and advanced elderly (age > 80 years) patients.

RESULTS

MMA embolization was successfully performed in 98% of NASHs (in 148 of 151 cases) in 121 patients. Seventy elderly patients underwent 87 embolization procedures, and 51 advanced elderly patients underwent 64 embolization procedures. Elderly and advanced elderly patients had similar rates of embolization for upfront (46% vs 61%), recurrent (39% vs 33%), and prophylactic (i.e., with concomitant surgical intervention; 15% vs 6%) NASH treatment. Transfemoral access was used in most patients, and the procedure time was approximately 1 hour in both groups. Particle embolization with supplemental coils was most common, used in 51% (44/87) and 44% (28/64) of attempts for the elderly and advanced elderly groups, respectively. NASH thickness decreased significantly from initial thickness to 6 weeks, with additional decrease in thickness observed in both groups at 90 days. At longest follow-up, the treated NASHs had stabilized or improved in 91% and 98% of the elderly and advanced elderly groups, respectively, with > 50% improvement seen in > 60% of patients for each group. Surgical rescue was necessary in 4.6% and 7.8% of cases, and the overall mortality was 8.6% and 3.9% for elderly and advanced elderly patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MMA embolization can be used safely and effectively as an alternative or adjunctive minimally invasive treatment for NASHs in elderly and advanced elderly patients.

Drain type after burr-hole drainage of chronic subdural hematoma in geriatric patients: a subanalysis of the cSDH-Drain randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) occurs more frequently in elderly patients, while older patient age is associated with worse postoperative outcome following burr-hole drainage (BHD) of cSDH. The cSDH-Drain trial showed comparable recurrence rates after BHD and placement of either a subperiosteal drain (SPD) or subdural drain (SDD). Additionally, an SPD showed a significantly lower rate of infections as well as iatrogenic parenchymal injuries through drain misplacement. This post hoc analysis aims to compare recurrence rates and clinical outcomes following BHD of cSDH and the placement of SPDs or SDDs in elderly patients.

METHODS

The study included 104 patients (47.3%) 80 years of age and older from the 220 patients recruited in the preceding cSDH-Drain trial. SPDs and SDDs were compared with regard to recurrence rate, morbidity, mortality, and clinical outcome. A post hoc analysis using logistic regression, comparing the outcome measurements for patients < 80 and ≥ 80 years old in a univariate analysis and stratified for drain type, was further completed.

RESULTS

Patients ≥ 80 years of age treated with an SDD showed higher recurrence rates (12.8%) compared with those treated with an SPD (8.2%), without a significant difference (p = 0.46). Significantly higher drain misplacement rates were observed for patients older than 80 years and treated with an SDD compared with an SPD (0% vs 20%, p = 0.01). Comparing patients older than 80 years to younger patients, significantly higher overall mortality (15.4% vs 5.2%, p = 0.012), 30-day mortality (3.8% vs 0%, p = 0.033), and surgical mortality (2.9% vs 1.7%, p = 0.034) rates were observed. Clinical outcome at the 12-month follow-up was significantly worse for patients ≥ 80 years old, and logistic regression showed a significant association of age with outcome, while drain type had no association with outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial findings of the cSDH-Drain trial and the findings of this subanalysis suggest that SPD may be warranted in elderly patients. As opposed to drain type, patient age (> 80 years) was significantly associated with worse outcome, as well as higher morbidity and mortality rates.

Outcomes of Surgical Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in the Aged: Institutional Experience and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Surgical intervention for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) in the elderly population remains a clinical challenge given that associated morbidity and outcomes do not always equate radiographic success with clinical success. Our objective was to compare outcome measures of 2 age groups of patients undergoing surgical intervention for cSDH evacuation and to perform a systematic review of the literature related to this topic.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of adult patients undergoing surgical evacuation of cSDH at our institution was performed. Primary outcome measures of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at discharge and 3 months were assessed. In addition, a systematic search was performed to collect all relevant studies addressing outcomes after surgical intervention in aged patients with cSDH.

RESULTS

There were 72 patients in the younger cohort (<70 years) and 113 patients in the aged cohort (≥70 years). Multivariate analysis showed significant association between age and higher mRS score at discharge and 3 months follow-up. There were also significant differences in length of stay and disposition between the 2 groups. Twenty-one studies were reviewed, and 11 studies were included in a meta-analysis of recurrence rates between studied age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The aged cohort had worse outcomes than the younger cohort as determined by mRS score at discharge and 3 months. A systematic review of outcomes is provided with limited meta-analysis because of the heterogenous nature of outcome reporting and the observational design of previous studies. Further studies with standardized reporting and long-term follow-up are warranted to further study outcomes in this increasing population.

Treatment Outcomes of Burr-Hole Surgery for Chronic Subdural Hematoma in the Elderly Living Beyond Life Expectancy: A Study Comparing Cure, Recurrence, and Complications in Patients Aged ≥80 Years versus ≤79 Years

BACKGROUND

Few reports have focused on chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in the very elderly, who have lived beyond average life expectancy. Our aim is to appraise treatment outcomes of burr-hole craniotomy for CSDH in the elderly, focusing on cure, recurrence, and complications.

METHODS

Fifty patients ≤79 years of age (group A) and 73 patients ≥80 years of age (group B) were studied. Recurrence was defined as requiring reoperation for hematoma regrowth or symptomatic failure. A cure was regarded as having been achieved in the absence of hematoma on postoperative computed tomography. Complications were defined as any harmful event related to the treatment procedure for CSDH.

RESULTS

Cure was documented in 31 patients in group A (63%) and 24 patients in group B (33%) (P = 0.0017). Median intervals to cure were 2.76 and 3.73 months, respectively (P = 0.06). Cumulative cure rates were 51%/76% and 36%/59%, respectively, at the sixth/twelfth postoperative months. Recurrence was documented in 2 patients (4%) and 11 patients (15%), respectively (P = 0.07). Median intervals to recurrence were 0.81 and 1.25 months, respectively (P = 0.049). Cumulative recurrence-free rates were 96%/92% and 87%/75%, respectively, at the third/sixth postoperative months. Complications were observed in 2 patients (4%) and 4 patients (5%), respectively (P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS

With advancing age, CSDH might show a greater tendency to recur and a longer time is required to achieve a cure. However, complications developed only in high-risk patients. Thus, surgical treatment for CSDH in elderly patients, even those who have lived beyond life expectancy, might provide acceptably effective results.