Correlation of leukocytosis with early neurological deterioration following supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage

Abstract

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating and common admitting diagnosis to intensive care units in the USA. Despite advances in critical care, patients with ICH often experience early neurological deterioration (END) in the first 72 hours after admission due to a variety of factors, including hematoma and cerebral edema evolution. The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with END after ICH. Using the Duke University Hospital Neuroscience Critical Care Unit Database, we retrospectively identified patients with an admitting diagnosis of supratentorial ICH from January to December 2010, verified by CT imaging. END was defined as a decrease in the Glasgow Coma Scale score of ≥3 or death within the first 72 hours after hemorrhage. The chi-squared or t-test analysis was used to compare the groups, as appropriate. Multiple logistical regression modeling was performed to test for associations between likely predictors of END. Of the 89 subjects admitted with supratentorial ICH, we included 83 in the analysis based on complete datasets. Of these, 31 experienced END within 72 hours after onset of symptoms. ICH score, presence of midline shift on imaging, and white blood cell (WBC) count were used in a regression model for predicting END. WBC count demonstrated the greatest association with END. Patients with ICH are prone to END within the first few days after hemorrhage. Elevated WBC count appears predictive of deterioration. These data demonstrate that heightened inflammatory state after ICH may be related to early deterioration after injury.