Effects of Dexamethasone in the Treatment of Recurrent Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Publication date: September 2017
Source:World Neurosurgery, Volume 105
Author(s): Yu Zhang, Shiping Chen, Yangchun Xiao, Wenhua Tang
ObjectiveRecurrent chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is not rare. Some studies have demonstrated the role of dexamethasone in the medical management of chronic subdural hematoma. However, no systematic study in the treatment of recurrent CSDH has been published. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone in patients with recurrent CSDH.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of consecutive patients from July 2010 to September 2014. A total of 27 patients with symptomatic recurrent CSDH were included in the analysis. Follow-up for each patient consisted of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging every 28 days from admission to the resolution of hematoma. Data were collected on hematoma volume, complications, and outcome.ResultsAmong the 27 patients, 3 patients with recurrent CSDH were only treated by burr hole surgery. Of the other 24 patients who primarily underwent dexamethasone treatment, 17 (70.8%) patients were treated successfully with medical treatment, whereas 7 patients required reoperation. Complications were noted in 3 (12.5%) patients (1 hyperglycemia, 1 urinary tract infection, and 1 pneumonia). There was 1 mortality (4.2%) for massive brain infarction. Twenty-one of the 24 patients (87.5%) recovered to their previous functional levels. There was no statistical significance in Fisher text between surgery and dexamethasone regarding success, complication, and functional recovery rate.ConclusionsPatients with recurrent CSDH can be treated successfully and safely with the nonsurgical medical treatment of dexamethasone. By use of this method, reoperation may be avoided.



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