Elevated Serum Fibrinogen Degradation Products on Admission Is a Novel Predictive Factor for Recurrence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported an association of hematologic parameters, including white blood cells, neutrophil, eosinophils, or coagulation-related factors, with prognosis in cerebrovascular disorders. However, an association of recurrence rate with serum coagulation-related factors (e.g., D-dimer or fibrinogen degradation products [FDP]) in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is unclear.

METHODS: Ninety-two patients who experienced first-time CSDH treated with burr-hole hematoma evacuation were included in this study. Laboratory data on admission were used to divide patients into 2 groups: serum FDP >5 μg/mL or FDP ≤5 μg/mL (within normal range), based on the reference range of our institute. We retrospectively compared the recurrence rate of CSDH within 90 days after the first operation between these groups. Statistical significance was accepted at P < 0.05.

RESULTS: Patients with an FDP greater than 5 μg/mL showed a significantly increased recurrence rate compared with those with a normal FDP (≤5 μg/mL; 27.3% vs. 10.2%, respectively; P = 0.03). Patients with an FDP greater than 5 μg/mL also showed a significantly higher recurrence rate within 30 days after the operation (15.2% vs. 3.4%, respectively; P = 0.04), but no difference in the recurrence rate at 31-90 days after the operation (12.1% vs. 6.8%, respectively; P = 0.38). In multivariable analysis, monolayer hematoma (odds ratio, 7.61; P = 0.003) and an FDP >5 μg/mL (odds ratio, 5.04; P = 0.01) were independent predictive factors for recurrence within 90 days.

CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum FDP on admission is a novel predictive factor for the recurrence of CSDH. These patients require careful follow-up, and recurrence within 30 days after the first operation should be considered.