Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage during the Shutdown for COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a critical neurological condition.
• The COVID-19 pandemic prompted unprecedented public health interventions globally.
• Understanding the impact of these measures on non-COVID-19 medical emergencies is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate hospitalization rates for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) within a neurovascular network (NVN).
• To assess the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and associated public health measures on SAH incidence.
• To identify potential modifiable risk factors affected by the pandemic response.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter study comparing SAH admission rates during the COVID-19 shutdown (cw 12-16, 2020) with pre-shutdown, post-shutdown, and historical (2015-2019) periods.
• Analysis of all-cause and pre-hospital mortality data from health departments and emergency medical services.
• Investigation of potential triggers for systemic inflammation, including respiratory viruses and air pollution.

Main Results:

• Hospitalizations for SAH decreased by approximately 90% within the NVN during the COVID-19 shutdown period.
• A significant reduction in acute respiratory illness rates and air pollution was observed concurrently.
• The study period coincided with the implementation of public health measures like contact restrictions and enhanced hygiene.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic shutdown led to a dramatic decrease in SAH hospitalizations.
• Public health measures implemented during the shutdown may have positively impacted modifiable risk factors, such as systemic inflammation.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking public health interventions, inflammation, and SAH incidence.