Intracerebral hemorrhage in southern Norway--a hospital-based incidence study

Newer Scandinavian data on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are scarce. We aimed at providing updated community-based data on the incidence, characteristics and outcome of ICH leading to hospitalization in the southernmost region in Norway.

We analyzed data from all consecutive patients hospitalized with a first-ever ICH in the five-year period 2005-2009 in a well-defined area served by one single hospital. Cases were found by computerized search in a register covering all in- and outpatients.

Adjusted to the standard European population the annual incidence rate per 100,000 was 16.9 for men, 8.8 for women (p < 0.001) and 12.5 for both sexes. The incidence rates rose continuously with increasing age through all age groups in both sexes. The proportion with warfarin-associated ICH was 26.9%. The overall 30-day case fatality rate was 36.6%. The hematoma location was lobar in 36.6%, deep cerebral in 45.5%, cerebellar in 9.7%, and brain stem in 8.2%.

The incidence of ICH in the southernmost region in Norway is in the midrange in Europe and lower than in previous Scandinavian studies. Men are at higher risk than women. The proportion with warfarin-associated ICH is higher than previously reported from Scandinavia.