Risk factors for developing subdural hematoma: a registry-based study in 1457 patients with shunted idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

Johan Gasslander; Nina Sundström; Anders Eklund; Lars-Owe D Koskinen; Jan Malm

doi:10.3171/2019.10.JNS191223

Risk factors for developing subdural hematoma: a registry-based study in 1457 patients with shunted idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus

J Neurosurg. 2020 Jan 10:1-10. doi: 10.3171/2019.10.JNS191223. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Johan Gasslander^{1

2}, Nina Sundström³, Anders Eklund³, Lars-Owe D Koskinen¹, Jan Malm¹

Affiliations

¹ 1Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå.
² 2Departments of Cardiology and Health, Medicine and Caring Services, Linkoping University, Vrinnevi General Hospital Norrköping; and.
³ 3Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.

PMID: 31923893
DOI: 10.3171/2019.10.JNS191223

Abstract

Objective: Subdural hematomas and hygromas (SDHs) are common complications in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients with shunts. In this registry-based study, patients with shunted iNPH were screened nationwide to identify perioperative variables that may increase the risk of SDH.

Methods: The Swedish Hydrocephalus Quality Registry was reviewed for iNPH patients who had undergone shunt surgery in Sweden in 2004-2014. Potential risk factors for SDH were recorded preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. Drug prescriptions were identified from a national pharmacy database. Patients who developed SDHs were compared with those without SDHs.

Results: The study population consisted of 1457 patients, 152 (10.4%) of whom developed an SDH. Men developed an SDH more often than women (OR 2.084, 95% CI 1.421-3.058, p < 0.001). Patients on platelet aggregation inhibitors developed an SDH more often than those who were not (OR 1.733, 95% CI 1.236-2.431, p = 0.001). At surgery, shunt opening pressures had been set 5.9 mm H2O lower in the SDH group than in the no-SDH group (109.6 ± 24.1 vs 115.5 ± 25.4 mm H2O, respectively, p = 0.009). Antisiphoning devices (ASDs) were used in 892 patients but did not prevent SDH. Mean opening pressures at surgery and the follow-up were lower with shunts with an ASD, without causing more SDHs. No other differences were seen between the groups.

Conclusions: iNPH patients in this study were diagnosed and operated on in routine practice; thus, the results represent everyday care. Male sex, antiplatelet medication, and a lower opening pressure at surgery were risk factors for SDH. Physical status and comorbidity were not. ASD did not prevent SDH, but a shunt with an ASD allowed a lower opening pressure without causing more SDHs.

Keywords: ASD = antisiphoning device; CSF = cerebrospinal fluid; NSAID = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug; SDH = subdural hematoma/hygroma; SHQR = Swedish Hydrocephalus Quality Registry; SPDR = Swedish Prescribed Drug Register; cerebrospinal shunt; chronic subdural hematoma; complications; hydrocephalus; hygroma; iNPH = idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus; normal pressure.