Roger Lodewijkx1, Steven Immenga1, René van den Berg2, René Post1, Lucas G Westerink3, Rob J A Nabuurs3, Anil Can1, William Peter Vandertop1, Dagmar Verbaan1. 1. Neurosurgical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 2. Department of Radiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. 3. Neurosurgical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on optimal treatment for a chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). In patients with only moderate symptoms treatment with tranexamic acid (TXA) has been suggested. We report off-label use of TXA in seven patients. METHODS: Between August 2016 and May 2018 we identified seven patients for primary conservative treatment with TXA until satisfactory clinical and radiological status was achieved. Primary outcome was surgery for cSDH evacuation. Radiological follow-up was performed at regular intervals for hematoma volume measurements. RESULTS: Five patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms, one patient had a burr-hole craniostomy five days after initiation of TXA treatment due to an increase of left-sided weakness and dysarthria and in one patient symptoms did not improve. Median follow-up was 15 weeks (range 6-25, without the operated patient). The median total volume before start of treatment was 83 mL (range 11-137) for all patients. At the last follow-up, the median total volume in the non-operated patients decreased by 73% to 33 mL (range 0-77). CONCLUSIONS: TXA could be considered as primary medical treatment in patients with a cSDH and mild symptoms. The results of current randomized clinical trials must be awaited.
BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on optimal treatment for a chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). In patients with only moderate symptoms treatment with tranexamic acid (TXA) has been suggested. We report off-label use of TXA in seven patients. METHODS: Between August 2016 and May 2018 we identified seven patients for primary conservative treatment with TXA until satisfactory clinical and radiological status was achieved. Primary outcome was surgery for cSDH evacuation. Radiological follow-up was performed at regular intervals for hematoma volume measurements. RESULTS: Five patients experienced complete resolution of symptoms, one patient had a burr-hole craniostomy five days after initiation of TXA treatment due to an increase of left-sided weakness and dysarthria and in one patient symptoms did not improve. Median follow-up was 15 weeks (range 6-25, without the operated patient). The median total volume before start of treatment was 83 mL (range 11-137) for all patients. At the last follow-up, the median total volume in the non-operated patients decreased by 73% to 33 mL (range 0-77). CONCLUSIONS: TXA could be considered as primary medical treatment in patients with a cSDH and mild symptoms. The results of current randomized clinical trials must be awaited.