ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI) is a serious complication that occurs in approximately 30% of patients. Lupus anticoagulant (LAC) is a risk factor for thrombotic events and has been associated with cerebral infarction after SAH. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of LAC in patients with SAH and its association with DCI. METHODS: Patients with aneurysmal SAH from a prospectively collected database between 1998 and 2009 were included. Presence of LAC was detected with dilute Russell's viper venom time reagents. Investigation of the association with DCI was planned in case of an increased prevalence of LAC compared with the general population. RESULTS: Of 511 patients, LAC was detected in only six (1.2%; 95% CI 0.4 to 2.5%). In two of these six patients, DCI was diagnosed. CONCLUSION: No evidence was found that LAC contributes to the development of DCI in patients with aneurysmal SAH.
