Subdural Hematoma in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies: An Outcome Analysis and Examination of Risk Factors of Operative and Nonoperative Management

Background: Patients with hematologic disorders who present with subdural hematomas (SDH) present a surgical decision-making challenge. Because of intrinsic coagulopathy, platelet dysfunction, and immunosuppression, surgical intervention poses a unique set of risks. Objective: To describe a clinical sample of patients with hematologic disorders and concurrent SDH, to compare baseline and outcome variables, including complication rates and survival, in surgical versus nonsurgical management, and to identify clinical variables that may predict outcomes. Methods: A 12-year retrospective case-control study was carried out of 50 adult patients with hematologic malignancies and SDH. Patients underwent surgical evacuation for SDH. Controls did not. Outcomes included discharge disposition, Glasgow Outcome Scale score, 30-day mortality, and overall survival. Complications included seizure, reoperation, and readmission. A Fisher exact test or χ² analysis compared categorical variables; continuous outcomes were compared with a Student t test. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed and multivariable Cox logistic regression evaluated variables associated with overall mortality. Results: Surgical and nonsurgical groups differed only by Glasgow Coma Scale score, with slightly lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores in the surgical group. Complication rates did not differ; however, the 30-day reoperation rate was 35% for the surgical cohort. Overall, seizure incidence was 18%, readmission was 30%, 30-day mortality was 38%, median survival was 140.5 days, and 75% had a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1–3 at censorship. Increased age, low hemoglobin levels, and low platelet levels were associated with increased risk of mortality. Conclusions: Low platelet and hemoglobin levels are consistent markers of poor prognosis and surgical intervention, either as a proxy of or as a cause for clinical deterioration, is associated with increased mortality risk.