Combination of Ultra-Early Hematoma Growth and Blend Sign for Predicting Hematoma Expansion and Functional Outcome

Abstract Objective Ultra-early hematoma growth (uHG) in acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been well established and can improve spot sign in the prediction of hematoma expansion (HE) and poor outcome. This study aimed to investigate whether uHG can improve blend sign as a promising combining marker to stratify HE and poor outcome. Patients and Methods A consecutive cohort study in patients with primary ICH conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Demographic characteristics, medical history, clinical features and radiological characteristics were recorded. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independently risk factors of HE and poor outcome. β coefficient was calculated for combining markers using the logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were fitted to calculate predictive values for each variable and combining markers to stratify HE and poor outcome. Results Among 257 ICH patients in the study, there were 85 (33.1%) patients with HE. Blend sign and uHG were independently associated with HE and poor outcome (P  Conclusion The combination of both uHG and blend sign could be a simple and useful tool for better stratification of HE and poor outcome.