In this observational study, we analysed a cohort of 164 subarachnoid haemorrhage survivors (until discharge from intensive care) with the aim to detect factors that influence the length of stay (LOS) in intensive care with multiple linear regression methods. Moreover, binary logistic regression methods were used to examine whether the time in intensive care is a predictor of outcome after 1 year. The clinical 1-year outcome was measured prospectively in a 12-month follow-up by telephone interview and categorised by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Patients who died during their stay in intensive care were excluded. Complications like pneumonia (β = 5.11; 95% CI = 1.75-8.46; p = 0.0031), sepsis (β = 9.54; 95% CI = 3.27-15.82; p = 0.0031), hydrocephalus (β = 4.63; 95% CI = 1.82-7.45; p = 0.0014), and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) (β = 3.38; 95% CI = 0.19-6.56; p = 0.038) were critical factors depending the LOS in intensive care as well as decompressive craniectomy (β = 5.02; 95% ci = 1.35-8.70; p = 0.0077). All analysed comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, cholesterinemia, and smoking history had no significant impact on the LOS in intensive care. LOS in intensive care (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.03-1.15; p = 0.0023) as well as WFNS grade (OR = 3.72; 95% ci = 2.23-6.21; p < 0.0001) and age (OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.02-1.10; p = 0.0061) were significant factors that had an impact on the outcome after 1 year. Complications in intensive care but not comorbidities are associated with higher LOS in intensive care. LOS in intensive care is a modest but significant predictor of outcomes after subarachnoid haemorrhage. Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating disease that challenges all treating disciplines. Aside from direct effects of SAH on the brain parenchyma, and directly associated complications like rebleeding, delayed cerebral ischemia, and hydrocephalus, there is evidence that further medical complications play a crucial role in the outcome after SAH 1,2. It was reported that the proportion of deaths from medical complications is comparable to the proportion of deaths attributed to the direct effects of the initial haemorrhage, rebleeding, and vasospasm 1,2. However, these complications might be preventable or at least controllable. A better outcome might be achievable with improved intensive care management 1. Beside high rates of morbidity and mortality, SAH is associated with prolonged ICU length of stay (LOS) 2-4. Initial poor clinical condition and treatment modality, but especially duration of stay in ICU, are substantial economic factors in SAH. Treatment costs of SAH in the first year easily exceed costs in the first year of ischemic stroke 5,6. Some nosocomial infections in SAH are known to determine prolonged LOS 3,7. Galea et al. reported that patients who had significantly longer LOS after SAH had unfavourable outcomes at discharge 8. However, it is uncertain whether the total LOS in ICU is a direct predictor of outcome.

Background This observational study was performed to show the impact of complications and interventions during neurocritical care on the outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods We analyzed 203 cases treated for ruptured intracranial aneurysms, which were classified regarding clinical outcome after one year according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We reviewed the data with reference to the occurrence of typical complications and interventions in neurocritical care units. Results Decompressive craniectomy (odds ratio 21.77 / 6.17 ; p < 0.0001 / p = 0.013), sepsis (odds ratio 14.67 / 6.08 ; p = 0.037 / 0.033) and hydrocephalus (odds ratio 3.71 / 6.46 ; p = 0.010 / 0.00095) were significant predictors for poor outcome and death after one year beside “World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies” (WFNS) grade (odds ratio 3.86 / 4.67 ; p < 0.0001 / p < 0.0001) and age (odds ratio 1.06 / 1.10 ; p = 0.0030 / p < 0.0001) in our multivariate analysis (binary logistic regression model). Conclusions In summary, decompressive craniectomy, sepsis and hydrocephalus significantly influence the outcome and occurrence of death after aneurysmal SAH.