Surgical Outcome and Prognostic Factors of Hypertensive Putaminal Hemorrhage in the Elderly Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the surgical outcome and determine prognostic factors of hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage in the elderly patients. METHODS: In a retrospective study, we analyzed the surgical outcome of 61 patients under 50 year-old (the younger group) and 57 patients over 70 year-old (the older group) with hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage treated from April 1998 to May 2002 in our institution. Neurological condition, brain computed tomography characteristics, and previous disease were analysed to select prognostic factors. The Glasgow Outcome Scale after six months was used for comparison of outcome. RESULTS: Of 16 patients with an initial GCS of 3-6, six of the younger group (86%) and nine of the older group (100%) had poor outcomes (p=0.062). Of 64 patients with an initial GCS of 7-11, 24 of the younger group (73%) and 23 of the older group (74%) had good outcomes. Of 38 patients with an initial GCS of 12-15, 20 of the younger group (95%) and 16 of the older group (94%) had good outcomes. Of 58 patients with moderate hematoma (30-50ml), 23 of the younger group (79%) and 22 of the older group (76%) had good outcomes. Of 30 patients with large hematoma (>50ml), 6 of the younger group (40%) and 5 of the older group (33%) had good outcomes (P=0.144). Of 21 patients with intraventricular hemorrhage, 6 of the younger group (60%) and 10 of the older group (91%) had poor outcomes (2.6 versus 1.8 p=0.016). Of 13 patients with hydrocephalus, 4 of the younger group (67%) and 7 of the older group (100%) had poor outcomes (2.5 versus 1.4 p=0.006). The surgical outcome of hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage showed no significant difference in the older group compared with the younger group. Outcome was worse in the older group with intraventricular hemorrhage or hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION: We conclude that surgical treatment for hypertensive putaminal hemorrhage in the elderly patients without intraventricular hemorrhage or hydrocephalus is needed. Poor prognosis in elderly patients is significantly associated with intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalus.