A proposed stratification system to address the heterogeneity of Subdural Hematoma Outcome reporting in the literature

Abstract

A major challenge within the academic literature on SDHs has been inconsistent outcomes reported across studies. Historically, patients have been categorized by the blood-product age identified on imaging (i.e., acute, subacute, or chronic). However, this schematic has likely played a central role in producing the heterogeneity encountered in the literature. In this investigation, a total of 494 patients that underwent SDH evacuation at a tertiary medical center between November 2013-December 2021 were retrospectively identified. Mechanism of injury was reviewed by the authors and categorized as either positive or negative for a high-velocity impact (HVI) injury. Any head strike injury leading to the formation of a SDH while traveling at a velocity beyond that of normal locomotion or daily activities was categorized as an HVI. Patients were subsequently stratified by those with an acute SDHs after a high-velocity impact (aSDHHVI), those with an acute SDH without a high-velocity impact injury (aSDHWO), and those with any combination of subacute or chronic blood products (mixed-SDH [mSDH]). Nine percent (n = 44) of patients experienced an aSDHHVI, 23% (n = 113) aSDHWO, and 68% (n = 337) mSDH. Between these groups, highly distinct patient populations were identified using several metrics for comparison. Most notably, aSDHHVI had a significantly worse neurological status at discharge (50% vs. 23% aSDHWO vs. 8% mSDH; p < 0.001) and mortality (25% vs. 8% aSDHWO vs. 4% mSDH; p < 0.001). Controlling for gender, midline shift (mm), and anticoagulation use in the acute SDH population, multivariable logistic regression revealed a 6.85x odds ratio (p < 0.001) for poor outcomes in those with a positive history for a high-velocity impact injury. As such, the distribution of patients that suffer an HVI related acute SDH versus those that do not can significantly affect the outcomes reported. Adoption of this stratification system will help address the heterogeneity of SDH reporting in the literature while still closely aligning with conventional reporting.