Does Age Influence the Poor Prognosis after Aneurysmal SAH Surgery in Elderly Patients?

Objective : The incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage has been increasing. At the same time, surgical results for elderly patients are unsatisfactory and no guidelines of treatment are available. We carried out a study comparing variable factors and surgical results between young and old age groups to find ways to improve prognosis. Methods : A retrospective study was carried out on 754 patients who were operated on between 1990 and 2004 by the same surgeon in our hospital. The patients were divided into seven groups according to age : 93 patients below 40 years of age [Group I], 419 patients aged $40{\sim}59$ [Group II], 115 patients aged $60{\sim}64$ [Group III], 82 patients aged $65{\sim}69$ [Group IV], 28 patients aged $70{\sim}74$ [Group V], 12 patients aged $75{\sim}79$ [Group VI] and 5 patients over the age of 80 [Group VII]. We then checked their medical history, Fisher's grade, Hunt-Hess grade, postoperative complications, and Glasgow Outcome Scale. Results : Age was not a statistically significant factor among patients below 70 years of age [P $value{\ge}0.05$]. But for those aged 70 and older, the age factor had a statistical value [P $value{\le}0.001$]. In addition, there was a close correlation between Hunt-Hess grade IV and V patients, and those with vasospasm, and hydrocephalus after surgery, with poor prognosis in elderly patients as well as young patients [P $value{\le}0.001$]. Conclusion : Advanced age [under the age of 70] dose not precluded adequate surgical treatment in patient with AN SAH, and we should be also alert to preventable causes of delayed neurological deterioration for improving the outcome in all elderly groups.