NS07 CHRONIC SUBDURAL HAEMATOMAS AND ANTICOAGULATION OR ANTI-THROMBOLYTIC THERAPY

Purpose  The use of anticoagulant therapy as a causative agent in the development of chronic subdural haematomas (CSDH) was investigated. We suspected a high incidence of anticoagulant therapy or anti-thrombotic therapy in patients who presented with CSDH. Methodology  Retrospective analysis of charts of eighty-one cases of CSDH admitted to the neurosurgical unit of the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH), Tasmania, Australia, over a 5-year period were reviewed. A database of neurosurgical procedures performed at RHH was examined to retrieve these patients undergoing surgery for CSDH. We found that anticoagulant therapy was used by a significant percentage of CSDH patients. Results/Conclusions  In the patient group presenting to our unit the risk of developing a CSDH was at least 42.5 times higher in warfarinised patients and also increased for patients on aspirin, although the risk could not be quantified.