Ultra-Early Versus Early Aneurysm Surgery After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Outcome Analysis

Abstract Object The timing of definitive management of ruptured intracranial aneurysms has been the subject of considerable debate, although the benefits of early surgery (until 72 hours postictus) are widely accepted. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the potential benefit of ultra-early surgery (until 24 hours) when compared with early surgery, in those patients who were treated by surgical clipping at the Neurosurgery Department of the Coimbra Hospital and University Centre. Methods A 17-year database of consecutive ruptured and surgically treated intracranial aneurysms was analyzed. Outcome was measured by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Baseline characteristics were analyzed by the Fisher exact test, the chi-squared and Mann-Whitney tests. Logistic regression was used to assess the impact of good grade according to the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) scale and ultra-early surgery in a good GOS outcome. Results 343 patients who were submitted to surgical clipping in the first 72 hours post-ictus were included, 165 of whom have undergone ultra-early surgery. Demographics and preoperative characteristics of ultra-early and early surgery patients were similar. Good-grade patients according to the WFNS scale submitted to ultra-early surgery demonstrated an improved GOS at discharge and at 6 months. Poor-grade patients according to the WFNS scale submitted to ultra-early surgery demonstrated an improved GOS at discharge. Conclusions Ultra-early surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients improves outcome mainly on good-grade patients. Efforts should be made on the logistics of emergency departments to consider achieving treatment on this timeframe as a standard of care.

Download Full-text

Impact of early-onset seizures on grading and outcome in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2014.10.jns14163 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 122 (2) ◽

pp. 408-413 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Christian Fung ◽

Mathias Balmer ◽

Michael Murek ◽

Werner J. Z'Graggen ◽

Janine Abu-Isa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Early Onset ◽

Demographic Data ◽

University Hospital ◽

World Federation ◽

Poor Grade ◽

Good Outcome ◽

Poor Outcome ◽

The Impact

OBJECT After subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), seizure occurs in up to 26% of patients. The impact of seizure on outcome has been studied, yet its impact on grading is unknown. The authors evaluated the impact of early-onset seizures (EOS) on grading of spontaneous SAH and on outcome. METHODS This retrospective analysis included consecutive patients with SAH who were treated at the NeuroCenter, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Switzerland, between January 2005 and December 2010. Demographic data, clinical data, and reports of EOS were recorded. The EOS were defined as seizures occurring within 24 hours after ictus. Patients were graded according to the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) scale pre- and postresuscitation and dichotomized into good (WFNS I–III) and poor (WFNS IV–V) grades. Outcome was assessed at 6 months by using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS); an mRS score of 0–3 was considered a good outcome and an mRS score of 4–6 was considered a poor outcome. RESULTS Forty-one of 425 patients with SAH had EOS. Twenty-seven of those 41 patients (65.9%) had a poor WFNS grade. Twenty-eight (68.3%) achieved a good outcome, 11 (26.8%) had a poor outcome, and 2 (4.9%) were lost to followup. Early-onset seizures were proven in 9 of 16 electroencephalograms. The EOS were associated with poor WFNS grade (OR 2.81, 97.5% CI 1.14–7.46; p = 0.03) and good outcome (OR 4.01, 97.5% CI 1.63–10.53; p = 0.03). Increasing age, hydrocephalus, intracerebral hemorrhage, and intraventricular hemorrhage were associated with poor WFNS grade, whereas only age, intracerebral hemorrhage (p < 0.001), and poor WFNS grade (p < 0.001) were associated with poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS Patients with EOS were classified significantly more often in a poor grade initially, but then they significantly more often achieved a good outcome. The authors conclude that EOS can negatively influence grading. This might influence decision making for the care of patients with SAH, so grading of patients with EOS should be interpreted with caution.

Download Full-text

Ultra-early surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: outcomes for a consecutive series of 391 patients not selected by grade or age

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/jns.2002.97.2.0250 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 97 (2) ◽

pp. 250-258 ◽

Cited By ~ 90

Author(s):

John D. Laidlaw ◽

Kevin H. Siu

Keyword(s):

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Early Surgery ◽

World Federation ◽

Consecutive Series ◽

Surgical Clipping ◽

Content Type ◽

Ruptured Aneurysms ◽

Unselected Group ◽

Fine Print

Object. This study was undertaken to determine the outcomes in an unselected group of patients treated with semiurgent surgical clipping of aneurysms following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods. A clinical management outcome audit was conducted to determine outcomes in a group of 391 consecutive patients who were treated with a consistent policy of ultra-early surgery (all patients treated within 24 hours after SAH and 85% of them within 12 hours). All neurological grades were included, with 45% of patients having poor grades (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies [WFNS] Grades IV and V). Patients were not selected on the basis of age; their ages ranged between 15 and 93 years and 19% were older than 70 years. The series included aneurysms located in both anterior and posterior circulations. Eighty-eight percent of all patients underwent surgery and only 2.5% of the series were selectively withdrawn (by family request) from the prescribed surgical treatment. In patients with good grades (WFNS Grades I–III) the 3-month postoperative outcomes were independence (good outcome) in 84% of cases, dependence (poor outcome) in 8% of cases, and death in 9%. In patients with poor grades the outcomes were independence in 40% of cases, dependence in 15% of cases, and death in 45%. There was a 12% rate of rebleeding with all cases of rebleeding occurring within the first 12 hours after SAH; however, outcomes of independence were achieved in 46% of cases in which rebleeding occurred (43% mortality rate). Rebleeding was more common in patients with poor grades (20% experienced rebleeding, whereas only 5% of patients with good grades experienced rebleeding). Conclusions. The major risk of rebleeding after SAH is present within the first 6 to 12 hours. This risk of ultra-early re-bleeding is highest for patients with poor grades. Securing ruptured aneurysms by surgery or coil placement on an emergency basis for all patients with SAH has a strong rational argument.

Download Full-text

Poor-grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Outcome after Treatment with Urgent Surgery

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/01.neu.0000093199.74960.ff ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 53 (6) ◽

pp. 1275-1282 ◽

Cited By ~ 79

Author(s):

John D. Laidlaw ◽

Kevin H. Siu

Keyword(s):

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Management Policy ◽

Surgical Patients ◽

World Federation ◽

Selective Treatment ◽

Poor Grade ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Rebleeding Rate ◽

Good Grade

Abstract OBJECTIVE We sought to determine whether the rebleeding rate in poor-grade patients justified a period of supportive observation before selective treatment and whether unselected ultraearly surgery would lead to acceptable results. METHODS A prospectively audited, nonselected series of 177 consecutive poor-grade (i.e., World Federation of Neurological Surgeons Grades IV and V) patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage managed during a 9-year period was analyzed. A management policy of aggressive ultraearly surgery (not selected by age or by grade) was followed. Coiling was not available. Outcomes were assessed at 3 months. RESULTS Despite the aggressive management policy, surgery could be performed in only 132 poor-grade patients (75%). Twenty percent of all patients were 70 years of age or older (15% of the surgical cases). All surgery was performed within 12 hours of subarachnoid hemorrhage (majority <6 h). Preoperative rebleeding occurred within the first 12 hours (>85% within 6 h) in 20% of the patients, which is four times the rate found in good-grade patients managed according to the same policy. Outcome assessment performed at 3 months in the 132 poor-grade surgical patients revealed that 40% were independent, 15% were dependent, and 45% had died. There was no significant difference in outcomes for young and old (70+ yr) poor-grade surgical patients (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION The high ultraearly rebleeding rate indicates a need to urgently secure the ruptured aneurysm by performing surgery or coiling, and this indication is more pronounced for poor-grade patients than for good-grade patients. The outcome results of ultraearly surgery indicate that a nonselective policy does not lead to a large number of dependent survivors, even among elderly poor-grade patients.

Download Full-text

Variation in Patient Characteristics and Outcomes Between Early and Delayed Surgery in Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0000000000001038 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 78 (2) ◽

pp. 224-231 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Bing Zhao ◽

Xianxi Tan ◽

Yuanli Zhao ◽

Yong Cao ◽

Jun Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Early Surgery ◽

World Federation ◽

Poor Grade ◽

Excellent Outcome ◽

Delayed Surgery ◽

Fisher Grade ◽

Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding the optimal timing for surgery for poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate variation in patient characteristics and outcomes between early and delayed surgery groups. METHODS: Poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage was defined as a World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade of IV or V after resuscitation. Early surgery was defined as surgery performed within 72 hours of ictus, and delayed surgery was defined as surgery after 72 hours. Outcomes were assessed by modified Rankin score. The mean time of follow-up was 12.5 ± 3.4 months. RESULTS: Of the 118 patients included in the study, 80 (68%) underwent early surgery and 38 (32%) underwent delayed surgery. Patients with brain herniation (P < .001) and a lower Fisher grade (P = .02) more often underwent early surgery. Patients in the early group more often underwent decompressive craniectomy (P < .001). Postoperative complications and length of hospital stay did not differ, and outcomes were similar between the 2 groups. Forty (34%) patients had an excellent outcome (modified Rankin score 0-1). Multivariate analysis showed a slight trend toward an excellent outcome in the early surgery group. Younger age, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade IV after resuscitation, and middle cerebral artery aneurysms were independent predictors of an excellent outcome. CONCLUSION: Although patients with brain herniation and a lower Fisher grade were more likely to undergo early surgery, there was a slight trend toward an excellent outcome in the early surgery group. Patients with a younger age, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade IV after resuscitation, and middle cerebral artery aneurysms were more likely to experience an excellent outcome.

Download Full-text

Variation of patient characteristics, management, and outcome with timing of surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2010.11.jns10795 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 114 (4) ◽

pp. 1045-1053 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Kelly B. Mahaney ◽

Michael M. Todd ◽

James C. Torner

Keyword(s):

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Management Practices ◽

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Timing Of Surgery ◽

Early Surgery ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Optimal Time ◽

World Federation ◽

Time Interval ◽

Fisher Grade

ObjectThe past 30 years have seen a shift in the timing of surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Earlier practices of delayed surgery that were intended to avoid less favorable surgical conditions have been replaced by a trend toward early surgery to minimize the risks associated with rebleeding and vasospasm. Yet, a consensus as to the optimal timing of surgery has not been reached. The authors hypothesized that earlier surgery, performed using contemporary neurosurgical and neuroanesthesia techniques, would be associated with better outcomes when using contemporary management practices, and sought to define the optimal time interval between SAH and surgery.MethodsData collected as part of the Intraoperative Hypothermia for Aneurysm Surgery Trial (IHAST) were analyzed to investigate the relationship between timing of surgery and outcome at 3 months post-SAH. The IHAST enrolled 1001 patients in 30 neurosurgical centers between February 2000 and April 2003. All patients had a radiographically confirmed SAH, were World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grades I–III at the time of surgery, and underwent surgical clipping of the presumed culprit aneurysm within 14 days of the date of hemorrhage. Patients were seen at 90-day follow-up visits. The primary outcome variable was a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1 (good outcome). Intergroup differences in baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were compared using the Fisher exact tests. Variables reported as means were compared with ANOVA. Multiple logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis, adjusting for covariates. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant.ResultsPatients who underwent surgery on Days 1 or 2 (early) or Days 7–14 (late) (Day 0 = date of SAH) fared better than patients who underwent surgery on Days 3–6 (intermediate). Specifically, the worst outcomes were observed in patients who underwent surgery on Days 3 and 4. Patients who had hydrocephalus or Fisher Grade 3 or 4 on admission head CT scans had better outcomes with early surgery than with intermediate or late surgery.ConclusionsEarly surgery, in good-grade patients within 48 hours of SAH, is associated with better outcomes than surgery performed in the 3- to 6-day posthemorrhage interval. Surgical treatment for aneurysmal SAH may be more hazardous during the 3- to 6-day interval, but this should be weighed against the risk of rebleeding.

Download Full-text

Elevated Baseline C-Reactive Protein as a Predictor of Outcome After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0000000000000963 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 77 (5) ◽

pp. 786-793 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

◽

Carole L. Turner ◽

Karol Budohoski ◽

Christopher Smith ◽

Peter J. Hutchinson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

Cerebral Injury ◽

World Federation ◽

C Reactive Protein ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Poor Outcome ◽

Fisher Grade ◽

Good Grade

Abstract BACKGROUND: There remains a proportion of patients with unfavorable outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, of particular relevance in those who present with a good clinical grade. A forewarning of those at risk provides an opportunity towards more intensive monitoring, investigation, and prophylactic treatment prior to the clinical manifestation of advancing cerebral injury. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether biochemical markers sampled in the first days after the initial hemorrhage can predict poor outcome. METHODS: All patients recruited to the multicenter Simvastatin in Aneurysmal Hemorrhage Trial (STASH) were included. Baseline biochemical profiles were taken between time of ictus and day 4 post ictus. The t-test compared outcomes, and a backwards stepwise binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors providing independent prediction of an unfavorable outcome. RESULTS: Baseline biochemical data were obtained in approximately 91% of cases from 803 patients. On admission, 73% of patients were good grade (World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grades 1 or 2); however, 84% had a Fisher grade 3 or 4 on computed tomographic scan. For patients presenting with good grade on admission, higher levels of C-reactive protein, glucose, and white blood cells and lower levels of hematocrit, albumin, and hemoglobin were associated with poor outcome at discharge. C-reactive protein was found to be an independent predictor of outcome for patients presenting in good grade. CONCLUSION: Early recording of C-reactive protein may prove useful in detecting those good grade patients who are at greater risk of clinical deterioration and poor outcome.

Download Full-text

THE IMPACT OF BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY ON THE EVOLUTION OF VASOSPASM-RELATED INFARCTION AFTER ANEURYSMAL SUBARACHNOID HEMORRHAGE

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/01.neu.0000311351.32904.8b ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 62 (3) ◽

pp. 610-617 ◽

Cited By ~ 47

Author(s):

Leonie Jestaedt ◽

Mirko Pham ◽

Andreas J. Bartsch ◽

Ekkehard Kunze ◽

Klaus Roosen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Middle Cerebral Artery ◽

Cerebral Artery ◽

Balloon Angioplasty ◽

Anterior Cerebral Artery ◽

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Fisher Exact Test ◽

Computed Tomographic ◽

Fisher Grade ◽

The Impact

Abstract OBJECTIVE Vasospasm of the cerebral vessels remains a major source for morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of infarction after transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA) in patients with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage-related vasospasm. METHODS We studied 38 patients (median Hunt and Hess Grade II and median Fisher Grade 4) with angiographically confirmed severe vasospasm (>70% vessel narrowing). A total of 118 vessels with severe vasospasm in the anterior circulation were analyzed. Only the middle cerebral artery, including the terminal internal carotid artery, was treated with TBA (n = 57 vessel segments), whereas the anterior cerebral artery was not treated (n = 61 vessel segments). For both the treated and the untreated vessel territories, infarction on unenhanced computed tomographic scan was assessed as a marker for adverse outcome. RESULTS Infarction after TBA occurred in four middle cerebral artery territories (four out of 57 [7%]), whereas the infarction rate was 23 out of 61 (38%) in the anterior cerebral artery territories not subjected to TBA (P < 0.001, Fisher exact test). Three procedure-related complications occurred during TBA (dissection, n = 1; temporary vessel occlusions, n = 2). One of these remained asymptomatic, whereas this may have contributed to the development of infarction on follow-up computed tomographic scans in two cases. CONCLUSION In a population of patients with a high risk of infarction resulting from vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, the frequency of infarction in the distribution of vessels undergoing TBA amounts to 7% and is significantly lower than in vessels not undergoing TBA despite some risk inherent to the procedure.

Download Full-text

Intrasylvian hematoma caused by ruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms predicts recovery from poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2014.10.jns141658 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 123 (3) ◽

pp. 686-692 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Hitoshi Fukuda ◽

Kosuke Hayashi ◽

Takafumi Moriya ◽

Satoru Nakashita ◽

Benjamin W. Y. Lo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

World Federation ◽

Poor Grade ◽

Younger Age ◽

Scale Scores ◽

Cisternal Irrigation ◽

Observational Cohort ◽

Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms

OBJECT Intrasylvian hematoma (ISH) is a subtype of intracranial hematoma caused by aneurysmal rupture and often presents with a poor initial neurological grade; it is not well studied. The aim of this study was to elucidate outcomes of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with ISH. METHODS Data for 97 patients with poor-grade SAH (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grade IV or V) were retrospectively analyzed from a single-center, prospective, observational cohort database. Ultra-early surgical clipping, removal of hematoma, external decompression for brain swelling, and prevention of vasospasm by cisternal irrigation with milrinone were combined as an aggressive treatment. Characteristics and clinical courses of SAH with ISH were identified. The authors also evaluated any correlations between poor admission-grade SAH and ISH with good functional outcome. RESULTS Patients with poor admission-grade SAH and with ISH were more likely to have initial cerebral edema (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test), which significantly resolved overtime (p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U-test). These patients had a better chance of functional survival (modified Rankin Scale scores of 1–3; OR 5.75; 95% CI 1.36–24.3; p = 0.017) at 6 months after hospital discharge, after adjustment for potential confounders such as younger age and better initial neurological grade by multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS ISH predicted good functional recovery from poor-grade aneurysmal SAH.

Download Full-text

Clinical outcomes of surgical clipping for intracranial aneurysms in patients with a Hunt and Hess grade 4 or 5

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/0004-282x20160064 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 74 (6) ◽

pp. 478-481 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Yang Zhang ◽

Xiaobo Zhu ◽

Kun Hou ◽

Jinchuan Zhao ◽

Xianfeng Gao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Clinical Condition ◽

Intracranial Aneurysms ◽

Pulmonary Infection ◽

Mortality Rates ◽

Surgical Clipping ◽

Postoperative Hematoma ◽

Grade 5 ◽

High Incidence ◽

Ventriculo Peritoneal Shunt

ABSTRACT We retrospectively evaluated the records of 49 grade 4 and 5 patients with 42 intracranial aneurysms treated within 72 h of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). In total, 35 patients (71%) were grade 4, and 14 (29%) were grade 5. A total of 42 (85%) patients had one aneurysm, 6 (12%) had two aneurysms, and 1 (3%) had three aneurysms. Out of 49 patients, one technical (2%) and one clinical (2%) complication occurred at surgery. Twenty-one (43%) patients recovered well, including 7 with postoperative hematoma requiring an immediate evacuation of a clot. Fourteen (29%) patients had hydrocephalus and required a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt; 12 patients underwent tracheotomy postoperatively due to coma and pulmonary infection. We found that patients with Hunt and Hess grade 4 and 5 aneurysms can undergo successful neurosurgical clipping of the aneurysms after SAH. However, the morbidity and mortality rates remain high because of their poor clinical condition and a high incidence of vasospasm during treatment.

Download Full-text

The Impact of the Body Mass Index on Outcome After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/01.neu.0000430322.17000.82 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 73 (2) ◽

pp. 201-208 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Johannes Platz ◽

Erdem Güresir ◽

Patrick Schuss ◽

Jürgen Konczalla ◽

Volker Seifert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Body Mass ◽

Glasgow Outcome Scale ◽

The Body ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

World Federation ◽

Obese Patients ◽

Aneurysm Size ◽

The Impact

Abstract BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and associated with a poor outcome, especially for intensive care patients. However, recent studies have described favorable outcomes of obese patients after stroke, a phenomenon called the “obesity paradox.” OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the body mass index (BMI) on outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: We analyzed the data for 741 SAH patients. A BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 was considered overweight and greater than 30 kg/m2 obese. The outcome according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale at discharge and after 6 months was assessed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: According to the BMI, 268 patients (36.2%) were overweight and 113 (15.2%) were obese. A favorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score >3) was achieved in 53.0% of overweight patients. In contrast, 61.4% of the 360 patients with a normal BMI had a favorable outcome (P = .021). However, in the multivariate analysis, only age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.051, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-1.07, P < .001), World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grade (OR: 2.095, 95% CI: 1.87-2.35, P < .001), occurrence of vasospasm (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 1.94-4.34, P < .001), and aneurysm size larger than 12 mm (OR: 2.215, 95% CI: 1.20-4.10, P = .011) were independent predictors of outcome after 6 months. Of the 321 poor grade patients (World Federation of Neurological Surgeons score >3), 171 (53.3%) were overweight. Of these, 21.6% attained a favorable outcome compared with 35.3% of normal-weight patients (P = .006). CONCLUSION: Although many physicians anticipate a worse outcome for obese patients, in our study, the BMI was not an independent predictor of outcome. Based on the BMI, obesity seems to be negligible for outcome after SAH compared with the impact of SAH itself, the patient's age, occurrence of vasospasm, or aneurysm size.

Download Full-text