Comparison of Admission Pattern and Management of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients Over a 5-year Interval

ABSTRACT

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a neurosurgical emergency. Early and intensive medical intervention is important for minimizing the occurrence of rebleeding and vasospasm. The purpose of this study was to document and compare the admission or referral pattern, management outcome and attitude of the general public of subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH) patients over a five year interval of 1987 and 1992. The authors analysed 229 SAH cases diagnosed by computerized tomography(CT) or lumbar puncture;106 cases diagnosed in 1987 were compared to 123 cases diagnosed in 1992. The results of the study showed that 1) the performance rate of angiography and operation have increased in 1992 as compared to 1987. 2) Early admission rate(within 0~1 day after the onset of SAH) have increased in 1992(84%) as compared to 1987(38%), and delayed admission rate(more than 2 days after the onset of SAH) have decreased in 1992 as compared to 1987. 3) Overall management mortality have decreased from 34% to 20% and operative mortality, from 12% to 4% in 1987 and in 1992, respectirely, It is concluded that the rate of early admission and operation of SAH patients have improved in 1992 as compared to 1987.