Abstract
Background
Rebleeding is an important cause of death and disability in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). In order to prevent rebleeding, the preferred strategy is aneurysm ablation (removal) as early as possible. However, in clinical practice some patients are not suitable for surgical treatment, or prefer conservative treatments. In some countries, therefore, total bedrest for four to six weeks has been considered one of the basic interventions to avoid rebleeding. However, the influence of bedrest on outcome in patients with SAH is not well known.
Objectives
To establish whether early mobilisation (less than four weeks after symptom onset) compared with delayed mobilisation (defined as patients staying in bed for at least four weeks after symptom onset) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), who have not had or could not have any surgical treatment for the aneurysm, will increase the proportion of deaths from rebleeding.
Search methods
We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (May 2012), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 6), the Chinese Stroke Trials Register (May 2012), MEDLINE (1950 to June 2012), EMBASE (1980 to June 2012), Web of Science Conference Proceedings (1990 to May 2012), CINAHL (1982 to June 2012), AMED (1985 to June 2012), PEDro (May 2012), REHABDATA (May 2012) and CIRRIE Database of International Rehabilitation Research (May 2012). In addition, we searched five Chinese databases, ongoing trials registers and relevant reference lists.
Selection criteria
We planned to include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing early mobilisation (within four weeks after symptom onset) with delayed mobilisation (after four weeks).
Data collection and analysis
Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion and exclusion. We resolved disagreements by discussion.
Main results
In the absence of any suitable RCTs addressing this topic, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. Data from recent observational studies suggested the period of greatest risk for rebleeding occurs more frequently in the early period, especially within 24 hours of the initial SAH. The impact of bedrest on aneurysm care should be clarified.
Authors’ conclusions
There are no RCTs or controlled trials that provide evidence for, or against, staying in bed for at least four weeks after symptom onset in patients with aneurysmal SAH, who have not had, or could not have, surgical treatment for the aneurysm. Treatment strategies to reduce the risk of rebleeding in SAH patients before aneurysm ablation, or in those not suitable for surgical treatment, or who prefer conservative treatments, deserve attention.
Plain language summary
Early versus delayed mobilisation to prevent further bleeding after spontaneous bleeding on the surface of the brain
Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a serious event where spontaneous bleeding on the surface of the brain is usually caused by the rupture of an abnormal swelling of an artery (aneurysm). If effective treatment is not provided (e.g. surgery or drug therapy) rebleeding may occur, causing death or disability for the patient. Some researchers observed that the highest risk period for rebleeding in people with a SAH was between two and four weeks after symptom onset, if they did not receive effective treatment. Total bedrest for four to six weeks has, therefore, been considered to be one of the basic interventions to avoid rebleeding. However, despite comprehensive searching, we did not identify any suitable studies that provided evidence for or against staying in bed for at least four weeks after symptom onset in people who did not, or could not, have any treatment for their ruptured aneurysm. Treatment strategies to reduce the risk of rebleeding in SAH patients before aneurysm repair, or in those patients not suitable for surgical treatment, or who prefer conservative treatments, deserve further attention.
