Predictors of Quality of Life at 3 Months after Treatment for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Abstract

Background: Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have a low quality of life (QOL) despite diagnostic and therapeutic advancements. Less than half of the survivors can return to their previous jobs and have difficulty in being a functional part of society. Our study aimed to understand the overall outcome and QOL of these patients and to identify the predictive factors determining the same. Methods: The clinical and radiological data were recorded at presentation, subsequent intervals at the hospital, and during discharge. Patients were interviewed telephonically or in the clinic subsequently at 3 months after treatment with following outcome assessment tools: Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Barthel Index (BI), QOL after Brain Injury Overall Scale (QOLIBRI-OS), and Short Form 36 (SF 36) QOL scale. Results: Out of the total patients (n = 143), 124 patients survived, of which 106 patients could be interviewed. The mRS, QOLIBRI-OS, BI, and SF36 had a good correlation with each other. Only 4.7% had moderate to severe disability on the mRS scale, and 2.8% had severe disability according to the Barthel index. Nearly one-third of patients had deteriorated QOL. The mental health domain was worst affected. The major determinant of QOL was GCS at presentation (mean P value 0.01), a course in the ward (0.0001), GCS at discharge (0.001). Conclusion: Though fewer of the patients had a severe disability, a majority of them had deterioration in QOL.