Time-Dependent Changes in Hematoma Expansion Rate after Supratentorial Intracerebral Hemorrhage and Its Relationship with Neurological Deterioration and Functional Outcome.

Background: Hematoma expansion (HE) following an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a modifiable risk factor and a treatment target. We examined the association of HE with neurological deterioration (ND), functional outcome, and mortality based on the time gap from onset to baseline CT.

Methods: We included 567 consecutive patients with supratentorial ICH and baseline head CT within 24 h of onset. ND was defined as a ≥4-point increase on the NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) or a ≥2-point drop on the Glasgow coma scale. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin score of 4 to 6 at 3-month follow-up.

Results: The rate of HE was higher among those scanned within 3 h (124/304, 40.8%) versus 3 to 24 h post-ICH onset (53/263, 20.2%) ( < 0.001). However, HE was an independent predictor of ND ( < 0.001), poor outcome ( = 0.010), and mortality ( = 0.003) among those scanned within 3 h, as well as those scanned 3-24 h post-ICH ( = 0.043, = 0.037, and = 0.004, respectively). Also, in a subset of 180/567 (31.7%) patients presenting with mild symptoms (NIHSS ≤ 5), hematoma growth was an independent predictor of ND ( = 0.026), poor outcome ( = 0.037), and mortality ( = 0.027).

Conclusion: Despite decreasing rates over time after ICH onset, HE remains an independent predictor of ND, functional outcome, and mortality among those presenting >3 h after onset or with mild symptoms.