Recent trends in the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: analysis of a nationwide inpatient database Clinical article

Object. Recently updated guidelines failed to reflect significant progress in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Using data from a nationwide hospital database, the authors identified recent trends in therapy and outcomes for ICH, as well as the effect of associated comorbidities and procedures, including surgery. Methods. Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample hospital discharge database (Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) for the period 1993-2005 was retrospectively reviewed. Multiple variables were categorized and subjected to statistical analysis for codes related to ICH from the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification. Data linked by the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database to associated diagnoses and procedures were also retrieved and analyzed. Results. The number of discharges remained constant for ICH. The mortality rate remained unchanged at an average of 31.6%, whereas routine discharges (home) steadily declined by 25%, and discharges other than home doubled (p < 0.01). By the end of the study, length of hospital stay decreased by 30% (p < 0.01), and mean hospital charges steadily increased to more than twice the original figures. Arterial hypertension was the most frequently associated comorbidity. Seizures were associated with longer hospital stays and higher mean hospital charges. Craniotomy was associated with decreased mortality rates but also with worse outcomes and lower rates of patients discharged home (p < 0.01). No geographic differences in treatment and outcomes were noted. Conclusions. From 1993 to 2005, no significant progress in treatment and prevention of ICH was noted. There were no regional differences in the treatment and outcome of ICH. The role of surgery for ICH remains uncertain, and large-scale controlled studies are greatly needed to clarify this role. (DOI: 10.3171/2008.5.17559)