Plasma osmolality in acute spontanious intra-cerebral hemorrhage: Does it influence hematoma volume and clinical outcome?

BACKGROUND: Neurological deterioration in acute spontaneous intra cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) may depend on hematoma volume, electrolyte imbalances, hydration status and other physiological parameters. Plasma osmolality is a marker of hydration. This study has examined the relationship of plasma osmolality with hematoma volume and clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective observational study included 75 patients with non-traumatic acute spontaneous ICH. Plasma osmolality, hematoma volume and clinical outcome in National Institute Health stroke scale (NIHSS) were measured on admission and on day 7 after treatment. Mean plasma osmolality was compared between those who died before day 7 and those who died after day 7. Plasma osmolality was also compared between patients with NIHSS score >20 and patients with NIHSS score ≤20. Paired t test, Pearson correlation coefficient and independent sample t test were done using SPSS software (version 17 for Windows). RESULT: There is no significant correlation between hematoma volume and plasma osmolality. Higher admission plasma osmolality was associated with early death [312.0 (±16.0) mOsm/kg for those who died before day 7 versus 297.0 (±14.7) mOsm/kg for those who died after day 7, P value =0.031]. Higher admission plasma osmolality was associated with very severe stroke [311.5 (±14.1) mOsm/Kg for patients with NIHSS score >20 versus 293.6 (±11.3) mOsm/kg for patients with NIHSS score ≤20, P value =0.000). CONCLUSION: High plasma osmolality is a predictor of early mortality. Hematoma volume is not influenced by plasma osmolality.