Predictors of hematoma expansion in intracerebral hemorrhage associated with factor Xa inhibitors

BACKGROUND: Improving the outcomes of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) associated with factor Xa inhibitors remains a clinical challenge. Andexanet alfa, a specific reversal agent for factor Xa inhibitors, has the potential to mitigate hematoma expansion (HE). The aim of this study is to identify predictors of HE in ICH associated with factor Xa inhibitor use and to propose appropriate indications for reversal therapy. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective observational study that included 68 consecutive patients who developed ICH within 24 h of factor Xa inhibitor intake and were not receiving concomitant antiplatelet therapy. The study period spanned from April 2012 to June 2022. The relationships between HE and patient-related, clinical, hematoma-related, and pharmacological factors were examined. RESULTS: Hematoma expansion was observed in 18 cases (26.5%) and significantly worsened outcomes (p = 0.028). In univariate analysis, significant predictors of HE were an irregular margin and/or heterogeneity of the hematoma on computed tomography (CT) (p = 0.009), an initial CT performed within 4 h after drug intake (p = 0.034), and edoxaban use (p = 0.041). A multivariate analysis identified hematoma morphology on CT (p = 0.030) and the initial CT within 4 h after drug intake (p = 0.048) as significant predictors. Hematoma volume, interval from onset to initial CT, and coagulation-related laboratory parameters were not significant. CONCLUSION: The predictors of HE were an irregular margin or heterogeneous hematoma, and an initial CT performed within 4 h after drug intake. Reversal decisions based on hematoma volume, or interval from onset to initial CT may be inappropriate.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Improving the outcomes of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) associated with factor Xa inhibitors remains a clinical challenge. Andexanet alfa, a specific reversal agent for factor Xa inhibitors, has the potential to mitigate hematoma expansion (HE).

Leech-derived molecules this paper discusses, each with a full profile in the ASH compound registry:

Explore how this research connects to clinical practice

More peer-reviewed studies in Clinical Trials.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Effects of hirudotherapy on liver functions, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in rats with metabolic syndrome — Bilden A et al. (2026)
• HIRUDOTHERAPY IN PRESBYACUZIS PRAECOX IN CLEAN-UP WORKERS AFTER THE CHORNOBYL ACCIDENT DURING THE POST-CATASTROPHE YEARS — Zabolotnyi D, Mishchanchuk N (2019)
• Wound healing potential of bark paste of Pongamia pinnata along with hirudotherapy: A case report — Balasooriya D, Karunarathna C, Uluwaduge I (2021)
• AIF-1 and RNASET2 Play Complementary Roles in the Innate Immune Response of Medicinal Leech — Baranzini N et al. (2019)
• Study on the effect of medicinal leech therapy (Hirudo medicinalis) on full-thickness excisional wound healing in the animal model — Zakian A et al. (2022)
• [Hirudo medicinalis-leech applications in plastic and reconstructive microsurgery--a literature review] — Knobloch K et al. (2007)
• The duration of rest and feeding greatly affects the re-breeding of ectoparasites: Hirudo verbana, Hirudo medicinalis and Hirudo orientalis — Aminov R, Frolov A, Aminova A (2022)
• Recombinant hirudin in clinical practice: focus on lepirudin — Greinacher A, Lubenow N (2001)

Browse all ASH-analysed research →