The risk factors of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after subarachnoid space hemorrhage of intracranial aneurysms

Shunt-dependent hydrocephalus is a common complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) which indicated intensive care unit stay and unfavorable outcome. Our aim is to study the risk factors of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid space hemorrhage. Patients with intracranial aneurysms treated in our department from January 2014 to October 2018 were included in the study. Patients’ age, gender, history of hypertension and diabetes, location of aneurysms, Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, Hunt–Hess grading, intraventricular hemorrhage, therapeutic option, shunt placement, clinical outcome, length of stay were analyzed. The follow-up period was 1 to 5 years. Statistics included Chi-squared, Student t test, 1-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multivariate logistic regression. About 845 cases with intracranial aneurysms treated in our department were included in the study. The mean age was 52.19 ± 9.51 years and the sex ratio was 317/528. About 14.3% (121/845) of the patients developed shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in the follow-up period. According to our results, older than 60, Hunt–Hess grading, GCS, coma, posterior circulation aneurysm, external ventricular drainage, and decompress craniotomy were risk factors of shunt dependency (P < .05). Moreover, older than 60, GCS 3 to 8, Hunt–Hess 3 to 5, and posterior circulation aneurysm were the independent risk factors of shunt dependency. Moreover, shunt dependency was related to longer hospital stay and unfavorable outcome (P < .05). In conclusion, patients older than 60, GCS 3 to 8, Hunt–Hess 3 to 5, and posterior circulation aneurysm need more strict observation and longer follow-up. Timely and appropriate treatment may benefit patients in recovery, while further exploration is still needed in the future.