Phase 4 Prospective, Randomized, Blinded Study on the Effect of Different Hydration Strategies on Mortality and Changes in Quality of Life of Patients Suffering From Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

Study protocol:

• Upon arrival Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA), or if necessary, a four-vessel cerebral angiography is carried out in case of each patient. Previous medical history is obtained with particular regard to the onset of the symptoms and the premorbid blood pressure values. Afterwards the Hunt-Hess classification of the patients take place. The neurological condition is recorded with the help of the NIH Stroke Scale on a daily basis. An acute or delayed open surgery or endovascular coiling is carried out by either a neurosurgeon or an interventional neuroradiologist as the definitive treatment of the aneurysm.
• Patients are randomized into two groups, either treated with Lactated Ringer's or hydroxyethyl starch solutions. Patients of the Lactated Ringer's are given 15-50 ml/kg/day Lactated Ringer's infusion from the beginning of their enrollment, while members of the other group receive 15 ml/kg Lactated-Ringer's and 15-50 ml/kg hydroxyethyl starch solution daily. The blood pressure should not exceed the 160 mmHg systolic and 110 mm Hg mean value prior to the definitive treatment. After definitive care the target blood pressure is set to ensure a clinically optimal state, which should not above 150% of the premorbid blood pressure, and should not exceed 200/120 mmHg. In order to achieve and maintain these values additional vasoactive drugs (arterenol, dobutrex) could be administered regardless of the group in a maximum dose of 2.5 micrograms/kg/min arterenol, with an additional dose of 10 ug/kg/min dobutrex if necessary, if the sole intake of intravenous solutions are not sufficient. Blood pressure is measured invasively, continuously after the cannulation of the radial artery.
• Neurological status of patients will be determined by the NIH Stoke Scale Score and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) on a daily basis. The mid-term survival and quality of life are evaluated with Barthel Index and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) 14 and 30 days following admission to our clinic.
• The primary outcome measure of the study is the incidence rate of vasospasm in both groups, while secondary outcome measures included 30-day survival, the neurological status and GOS scores after.