Resumption of Antithrombotic Agents in Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The clinical decision whether and when to resume antithrombotics in patients with chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) postoperatively is limited by a lack of quality evidence exploring this topic. Our study aims to assess the available evidence of patient complication outcomes, specifically hemorrhagic and thromboembolic events, following the resumption or non-resumption of antithrombotic agents postoperatively in CSDH patients already on these agents before CSDH. METHODS: We followed recommended PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Electronic database searches were performed to identify included studies. Data were extracted and analyzed using meta-analysis. RESULTS: Eight studies were included for analysis. The most common indication for antithrombotic treatment before onset of CSDH was atrial fibrillation (29.6%), followed by prosthetic heart valve (16.6%), recent myocardial infarction (14.1%), prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (11.6%), and finally venous thromboembolism (8.3%). The overall hemorrhagic complication rate was 14.8% in the resumption group versus 18.6% in the no resumption group (P = 0.591). This did not differ between early (< 2 weeks) versus late (> 1 month) resumption (15% vs. 18.6%, P = 0.97). The rate of thromboembolism however was statistically lower in those who resumed antithrombotics (2.9% vs. 6.8%, P< 0.001). There was a non-significant trend towards higher thromboembolic rates with early resumption (5.3% vs. 2.1%, P = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: The decision to resume antithrombotics postoperatively in the clinical management of CSDH patients is a complex one and should therefore be a highly individualized process. Our meta-analysis demonstrates that in selected cases, it is feasible to resume early antithrombotic treatment without additional hemorrhagic or thromboembolic risk.