A STUDY OF PROGNOSTIC PREDICTORS OF SUPRATENTORIAL HEMATOMAS

The prognosis of supratentorial haematomas is based on clinical signs and radiological features. The role of evoked potentials has not been evaluated systematically. In a prospective study of supratentorial hae morrhage a number of clinical (17), radiological (3) and evoked potent ial (2) parameters were evaluated employing univariate logistic regres sion analysis in 69 patients and multivariate logistic regression step down analysis in 51 patients. The outcome was graded on the basis of t he Barthel index (BI) score at 3 months as good (PI greater than or eq ual to 12) or poor (death or BI < 12) recovery. Employing univariate a nalysis the significant prognostic variables were Glasgow Coma Scale, Canadian Neurological Scale, tendon reflex, associated medical complic ations, urinary incontinence, ventricular extension of the haematoma a nd motor evoked potentials. Using multivariate logistic regression ana lysis the best set of parameters in relation to outcome included Glasg ow Coma Scale (P < 0.05), Canadian Neurological Scale (P < 0.05), tend on reflex (P < 0.1), ventricular extent (P < 0.01) and motor evoked po tentials (P < 0.05). From this study it is concluded that, in addition to clinical and radiological parameters, motor evoked potentials also have an important role in predicting outcome.