Effect of Comorbidities on the Outcome of Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background The pathophysiological changes following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) lead to a varied degree of neurological deficit and cognitive decline. The presence of comorbidities can contribute to the progression and course of the disease resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Methods A total of 140 patients with aSAH, scheduled for surgical clipping or endovascular coiling were included. The patients' comorbidities were recorded. The postoperative outcome was evaluated using Glasgow Outcome Scale at 1 month following discharge. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables predicting poor outcome, taking into consideration those variables which were significant in univariate analysis. Results Sixty-six percent of these patients with aSAH had associated comorbidities. In our patient cohort, we found that smoking and hypertension were associated with worse outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 4.63 [confidence interval [CI] = 1.83–11.7] and OR = 2.92 [CI = 1.41–6.01], respectively). Hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and asthma did not influence the neurological outcome because of their small number. Conclusion Presence of comorbidities like smoking and hypertension significantly worsen the outcome of these patients with aSAH.