Charlson comorbidity index adjustment in intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Previous studies of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) outcome prediction models have not systematically included adjustment for comorbid conditions. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was associated with early mortality and long-term functional outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis on a prospective observational cohort of patients with ICH admitted to 2 University of California San Francisco hospitals from June 1, 2001 to May 31, 2004. Components of the ICH score and use of early care limitations were recorded. Outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale to 12 months. The CCI was derived using hospital discharge International Classification of Diseases, revision 9 codes and patient history obtained from standardized case report forms. RESULTS In this cohort of 243 ICH patients, comorbid conditions were common, with CCI scores ranging from 0 to 12. Only 29% of patients with high CCI scores (≥3) achieved a 12-month modified Rankin Scale score of ≥3 compared with 48% of patients with CCI scores of 0 (P=0.02). CCI score was independently predictive of 12-month functional outcome, with higher CCI having a greater impact (CCI=2: odds ratio, 2.3; P=0.06; CCI=≥3: odds ratio, 3.5; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS Comorbid medical conditions as measured by the CCI independently influence outcome after ICH. Future ICH outcome studies should account for the impact of comorbidities on patient outcome.