Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between stress index (SI) calculated by dividing blood sugar (BS) concentration by serum potassium (K) level at the time of initial examination and both severity and outcome of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 108 patients with SAH. Severity of SAH was assessed using the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) classification system. The moderate group included patients with WFNS grade I–III, with all other patients classified into the severe group. Outcomes at the time of discharge were assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. Good outcome group included patients with good recovery or moderate disability, while others were classified to the poor outcome group. Biochemical factors evaluated at the initial examination included K, BS, and SI. Results: BS and SI were significantly higher in the severe group than in the moderate group (p<0.001). These indicators were also significantly higher in the poor outcome group than in the good outcome group (p<0.001). Some patients in the moderate group fell into the poor outcome group. In those patients, SI was significantly high. Conclusion: SI was significantly high in patients with severe SAH and in patients with poor outcome. Patients with high SI who are classified into the moderate group might show poor clinical outcomes.
