Assessing characteristics, treatment approaches, and outcomes of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage patients in intensive care: a retrospective study

Abstract

Aims: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SIH) is a common cerebrovascular disease associated with high mortality and poor clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the fundamental characteristics of patients with SIH, their treatment practices, and early results to provide a comprehensive overview. Methods: Patient records from 2017 to 2021 were reviewed following approval from the ethics committee of our hospital. Demographic data, surgical and medical treatments applied in the intensive care unit (ICU), and immediate clinical outcome data of patients meeting the study criteria were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 153 patients were included in this study. The mortality rate in SIH patients was identified as 53.59%. The mean age value of those who died was found to be higher. In these patients, “fainting” as the initial symptom was found to be more common, while “Focal Neurological Deficits” were less common. A lower median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were also observed. It was noted that the fresh frozen plasma (FFP) usage rate was higher, whereas the usage rate of oral antihypertensives was lower in those who died. It was determined that 33.33 of patients, 33.33% were transferred to a service (neurology or neurosurgery), 11.76% received palliative care, and 1.31% received home care. Conclusion: The mortality rate of patients with SIH is extremely high, and treatment in intensive care should be conducted according to current guidelines. More comprehensive studies are needed to standardize the appropriate treatment approaches. Alongside suitable treatment strategies to reduce mortality, identifying and supporting surviving patients’ long-term treatment and rehabilitation needs are of great significance.