Comparison of Aggressive Surgical Treatment and Palliative Treatment in Elderly Patients with Poor-Grade Intracranial Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Abstract

Objective. To compare the current treatment approach in elderly patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and identify the independent predictors of the outcome after aggressive surgical treatment. Method. This prospective, multicenter cohort study included 104 poor-grade aneurysmal SAH elderly patients, 60 years or older, treated in our institution from October 2010 to March 2013. Patients were grouped according to three treatment arms. Neurological outcome was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at baseline and at a 12-month follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using the following factors: sex, age, smoking history, breathing ability, alcohol consumption, cerebral hernia, aneurysm location, aneurysm diameter, WFNS grade, CT Fisher grade, treatment approach, and the timing of the aneurysm surgery. Results. At the 12-month follow-up, patients in the coiling group and clipping group had better prognosis than patients in the palliative treatment group. Univariate analysis confirmed that the treatment approach, WFNS grade, CT Fisher grade, and age are critical factors for neurological outcomes in poor-grade SAH. Multivariate analysis indicated that WFNS grade V, CT Fisher grades 3–5, and palliative treatment were independent predictors of poor prognoses. Conclusion. Aggressive surgical treatment improves the prognoses in poor-grade aneurysm elderly patients with SAH. Elderly Patients of WFNS grade IV and CT Fisher grades 1-2 are more likely to have a better outcome.