Functional outcome, return to work and quality of life in patients with non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract Introduction Non-aneurysmal, non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (nSAH) refers to cases where a causative aneurysm cannot be identified. We studied 6-months’ outcomes in nSAH patients. Patients and methods From a prospective SAH registry of all nSAH patients admitted between 2012 and 2023, relevant complications and outcomes were collected. Functional outcome and return-to-work at 6 months were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), quality of life with the EuroQol-5Dimensions (EQ-5D) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and an institutional 14-item questionnaire for assessment of residual symptoms. Results 325 consecutive nSAH patients were included (192 non-perimesencephalic, non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (NPSAH); 133 perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (PMSAH)). 303 (93%; 180 NPSAH and 123 PMSAH) were available at follow-up (7 patients died). Favorable functional outcome (mRS-score 0–2) was reported in 271 (89%) patients and did not differ between NPSAH- and PMSAH. One hundred forty-one (77%) patients returned to work, whereas only 71 (39%) patients reached their previous level of work. PMSAH patients were more likely to return to work (68/96 (71%) NPSAH and 73/87 (84%) PMSAH, respectively, p = 0.036). Furthermore, PMSAH patients were more likely to fully return to work (p = 0.028). The mean (SD) EQ-5D and EQ-VAS scores were 0.827 (0.184) and 74 (16), respectively. The HADS-A and -D scores were deviant (score 7 points) in 53 (23%) and 48 (21%) patients, respectively. Only 39 patients (16%) denied experiencing residual symptoms. Increased fatigue (n = 164; 68%), increased concentration difficulties (n = 130; 54%), and increased forgetfulness (n = 121; 50%) were the most frequently reported residual symptoms. Discussion and conclusion This study reveals that the majority of nSAH patients reports residual symptoms and did not return to their previous level of work at 6 months follow-up, despite a favorable functional outcome. These findings nuance the perception of a good outcome, as suggested in previous studies, warranting further research on possible rehabilitative interventions and counseling in these patients.