Antihyperthermic treatment decreases perihematomal hypodensity

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a critical neurological condition.
• Perihematomal hypodensity (PHHD) is a key indicator of secondary brain injury after ICH.
• Body temperature regulation is crucial in managing ICH patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of body temperature reduction within the first 24 hours on PHHD and patient outcomes.
• To determine the association between temperature variations, PHHD, and 3-month outcomes in ICH patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a prospectively registered database of 795 ICH patients.
• Recording of temperature variations in the first 24 hours and PHHD.
• Antihyperthermic drug administration for patients with basal axillary temperature ≥37.5°C for at least 48 hours.

Main Results:

• A decrease in body temperature within 24 hours was associated with an 11-fold increased likelihood of a good outcome.
• Patients receiving antihyperthermic treatment showed temperature decrease, lower PHHD volume, and good outcomes (31.8%).

Conclusions:

• Early antihyperthermic treatment in spontaneous ICH patients with elevated temperature (≥37.5°C) leads to good outcomes in approximately one-third of cases.
• Temperature management is a potentially modifiable factor influencing ICH recovery.