RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Postoperative seizures are potential complications of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). Knowledge of risk factors may help to identify patients that may benefit from antiepileptic prophylaxis. METHODS: A total of 101 patients (mean age, 70.1 ± 32.1 years) with surgical evacuation of cSDH were enrolled. We retrospectively collected patient characteristics, hematoma specifics, and procedural aspects and evaluated their impact on postoperative seizures within a 14-day follow-up period by means of bivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Postoperative seizures occurred in 14 patients (13.9%). At discharge, the mean Markwalder grading scale score was 1.1 ± 1.1 and 0.5 ± 0.8 in patients with and without seizures, respectively (P = 0.04). In the univariate analysis, preoperative midline shift (8.3 vs. 4.5 mm, P = 0.045), open craniotomy (85.7% vs. 55.2%, P = 0.031), and membranectomy (57.1% vs. 20.7%, P = 0.004) were significantly associated with postoperative seizures, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative midline shift (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.26; P = 0.029) and membranectomy (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.0-15.0; P = 0.048) remained as independent risk factors for seizures. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative antiepileptic prophylaxis may be recommended in patients with preoperative midline shift. Membranectomy may not be routinely applied during surgery.
