Premorbid Use of Clopidogrel Portends Worse Outcomes in Patients Treated Surgically for Intracranial Hemorrhage

Abstract

Background: Widespread use of antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications (APACs) can be a difficult challenge in the presence of a neurosurgical emergency. Premorbid use of APACs, particularly clopidogrel, has been shown to affect outcomes in patients with stroke and traumatic brain injury. Objective: We hypothesized that pre-morbid clopidogrel use in patients with intracranial hemorrhage necessitating surgical intervention would lead to a greater risk of death and need for re-operation than those taking other APACs. Methods: Retrospective single institution review was conducted from January, 2010 through November, 2012 for intracranial hemorrhages necessitating surgical evacuation. Acute, subacute and chronic subdural, epidural and intraparenchymal hemorrhages were included. Results: 185 of 410 patients that required surgery for intracranial hemorrhage were on APACs. Overall mortality rate was 33%, with a 37% mortality rate in the APAC group. Overall reoperation rate was 7.5%, and 13%