Background and purpose: Lower serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels have been associated with increased risk of death after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Nevertheless, their link with hematoma growth (HG) is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between LDL-C levels, HG, and clinical outcome in patients with acute ICH.
Methods: We prospectively studied 108 consecutive patients with primary supratentorial ICH presenting within 6 hours from symptoms onset. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and ICH volume on computed tomography scan were recorded at baseline and at 24 hours. Lipid profile was obtained during the first 24 hours. Significant HG was defined as hematoma enlargement >33% or >6 mL at 24 hours. Early neurological deterioration as well as mortality and poor long-term outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >2) at 3 months were recorded.
Results: Although LDL-C levels were not correlated with ICH volume (r=-0.18; P=0.078) or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (r=-0.17; P=0.091) at baseline, lower LDL-C levels were associated with HG (98.1±33.7 mg/dL versus 117.3±25.8 mg/dL; P=0.003), early neurological deterioration (89.2±31.8 mg/dL versus 112.4±29.8 mg/dL; P=0.012), and 3-month mortality (94.9±37.4 mg/dL versus 112.5±28.5 mg/dL; P=0.029), but not with poor long-term outcome (109.5±31.3 mg/dL versus 108.3±30.5 mg/dL; P=0.875). Moreover, LDL-C levels were inversely related to the amount of hematoma enlargement at 24 hours (r=-0.31; P=0.004). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, LDL-C level <95 mg/dL emerged as an independent predictor of HG (OR, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.26-14.24; P=0.020), early neurological deterioration (OR, 8.27; 95% CI, 1.66-41.16; P=0.010), and 3-month mortality (OR, 6.34; 95% CI, 1.29-31.3; P=0.023).
Conclusions: Lower serum LDL-C level independently predicts HG, early neurological deterioration, and 3-month mortality after acute ICH.