Introduction:
To report clinical outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients exposed to cerebral vasospasm (CVS) targeted treatments in a systematic review and meta-analysis and compare the efficacy of endovascular and non-endovascular treatments in severe / refractory vasospasm patients.
Methods:
The literature was searched using PubMed, EMBASE, and The Cochrane Library database. Eligibility criteria were (1) Rated clinical outcome; (2) at least 10 patients; (3) aSAH; (4) study published in English or French (January 2006 - October 2014); and (5) methodological quality score > 10, according to STROBE criteria. Endpoint included unfavorable outcome rate, defined as mRS 3-6, GOS 1-3 or GOSE 1-4 at latest follow-up. Analyses included stratification per route of administration (oral, i.v., intra-arterial or cisternoventricular) and per study inclusion criteria (severe, CVS, refractory CVS or high risk for CVS). Univariate and multivariate subgroup analyses were performed to identify interventions associated with a better outcome.
Results:
Sixty-two studies, including 26 randomized controlled trials, were included (8976 patients). Overall 2490 patients had unfavorable outcome including death (random-effect weighted average: 33.7%, 99%CI, 28.1-39.7%; Q-value: 806.0, I
2
=92.7%). Clinical outcome was significantly better in severe or refractory patients for whom, on top of best medical treatment, endovascular intervention was performed (RR=0.76, IC95% [0.66-0.89], p <0.00001) whereas other route of administration didn’t show significant differences. RR of unfavorable outcome was significantly lower, vs control groups, in patients treated with Cilostazol (RR=0.46 (IC99% [0.25-0.85], P = 0.001, Q value 1.5, I
2
= 0).
Conclusion:
In case of CVS following aSAH, endovascular treatment in severe / refractory vasospasm patients. including intra-arterial injection of pharmacological agents or balloon angioplasty, improves outcome as compared to other route of administration.
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