Health-Related Quality of Life Dynamics 2 Years Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Prospective Cohort Study Using EQ-5D

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL) to a large extent. However, longitudinal studies on HRQoL after aSAH are scarce, and there is limited knowledge whether different HRQoL dimension scores change over time, and if so, if the scoring differs from results from the general population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate HRQoL dynamics over time, 2 years following aSAH, and compare the results with general population. METHODS: In a prospective cohort design, 88 consecutive aSAH patients (85% of eligible) were followed up with the generic HRQoL instrument EQ-5D at 3 time points: 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after the onset. Data were collected in 2006 to 2009, and the results were compared with a general population sample from the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006, matched by age and sex. RESULTS: Overall HRQoL in the aSAH sample was stationary over time. Improved function was only found in the usual activities dimension (P=.026). HRQoL was most affected in participants reporting comorbidity. Compared with the general population, women in the aSAH sample reported significantly more problems in 4 out of 5 dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, and anxiety/depression). Men in the aSAH sample reported significantly more problems in the usual activities dimension in comparison to the general population. CONCLUSION: HRQoL is stationary during the first 2 years following aSAH, and is significantly worse when compared to the general population. Rehabilitation efforts should be initiated shortly after hospitalization.