Intracerebral hemorrhage: a review of coagulation function

Abstract

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with a higher mortality rate among stroke subtypes. The amount of hematoma at baseline and subsequent expansion are considered strong independent markers for determining poor clinical outcome. Even though reduction in blood pressure to prevent and control the amount of bleeding in ICH has received considerable amount of attention, the impact of coagulopathy and platelet dysfunction, on the bleeding diathesis has not been extensively investigated. With the increasing use of antiplatelets and/or anticoagulants, given the aging population, a deeper understanding of the interactions between ICH and hemostatic mechanisms is essential to help minimize the risk of a catastrophic coagulopathy-related ICH. In this review article, etiology and risk factors associated with coagulopathy-related ICH are discussed. An overview of coagulation abnormalities, hemostatic agents, and blood biomarkers pertaining to ICH is included.

Keywords: bleeding diathesis; clinical outcome; hematoma expansion; intracerebral hemorrhage; platelet dysfunction.