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Neurocritical Care
Published in: Neurocritical Care 3/2010

01-12-2010 | Original Article

Prospective, Randomized Trial of Higher Goal Hemoglobin after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Authors: Andrew M. Naidech, Ali Shaibani, Rajeev K. Garg, Isis M. Duran, Storm M. Liebling, Sarice L. Bassin, Bernard R. Bendok, Richard A. Bernstein, H. Hunt Batjer, Mark J. Alberts

Published in: Neurocritical Care | Issue 3/2010

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Abstract

Background and Purpose

In patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), higher hemoglobin (HGB) has been associated with better outcomes, but packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions with worse outcomes. We performed a prospective pilot trial of goal HGB after SAH.

Methods

Forty-four patients with SAH and high risk for vasospasm were randomized to goal HGB concentration of at least 10 or 11.5 g/dl. We obtained blinded clinical outcomes at 14 days (NIH Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale, mRS), 28 days (mRS), and 3 months (mRS), and blinded interpretation of brain MRI for cerebral infarction at 14 days. This trial is registered at www.​stroketrials.​org.

Results

Forty-four patients were randomized. Patients with goal HGB 11.5 g/dl received more PRBC units per transfusion [1 (1–2) vs. 1 (1–1), P < 0.001] and more total PRBC units [3 (2–4) vs. 2 (1–3), P = 0.045]. Prospectively defined safety endpoints were not different between groups. HGB concentration was different between study groups from day 4 onwards. The number of cerebral infarctions on MRI (6 of 20 vs. 9 of 22), NIH Stroke Scale scores at 14 days [1 (0–9.75) vs. 2 (0–16)], and rates of independence on the mRS at 14 days (65% vs. 44%) and 28 days (80% vs. 67%) were similar, but favored higher goal HGB (P > 0.1 for all).

Conclusions

Higher goal hemoglobin in patients with SAH seems to be safe and feasible. A phase III trial of goal HGB after SAH is warranted.
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Metadata
Title
Prospective, Randomized Trial of Higher Goal Hemoglobin after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors
Andrew M. Naidech
Ali Shaibani
Rajeev K. Garg
Isis M. Duran
Storm M. Liebling
Sarice L. Bassin
Bernard R. Bendok
Richard A. Bernstein
H. Hunt Batjer
Mark J. Alberts
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
Humana Press Inc
Published in
Neurocritical Care / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 1541-6933
Electronic ISSN: 1556-0961
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12028-010-9424-4

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