Intensive Care Management of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in German-Speaking Countries
Author Information
Author(s): Myftiu Anisa, Mäder Lisa, Aroyo Ilia, Kollmar Rainer
Primary Institution: Department of Neurology and Neurintensive Care Medicine, Academic Hospital Darmstadt
Hypothesis
What is the current state of intensive care treatment for patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in German-speaking countries?
Conclusion
The survey identified both similarities and discrepancies in the treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients across different facilities.
Supporting Evidence
- Most patients were treated in anesthesia-led intensive care units at university and maximum care hospitals.
- Aneurysms were usually treated within 24 hours after bleeding.
- Induced hypertension was usually implemented as the first treatment option for detected vasospasm.
- Interventional spasmolysis with calcium antagonists was carried out in 81% of cases despite unclear evidence.
- Temperature management was used frequently, including hypothermia in 56% of severe cases.
Takeaway
Doctors in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland treat brain bleeding patients in similar ways, but there are still some differences in how they do it.
Methodology
Medical professionals were invited to participate in a standardized anonymous online questionnaire including 44 questions, which was validated by experts.
Potential Biases
Respondents may be biased by the selection and phrasing of the questionnaire.
Limitations
The online survey may have selection bias and the correctness of responses cannot be verified.
Participant Demographics
59% held senior medical positions, 23% held chief medical positions, and 78% worked in university clinics or tertiary care hospitals.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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