Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection on the outcomes of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: A prospective cohort study

Objective

This study aims to investigate the impact of the infection with the novel coronavirus Omicron variant on the outcomes of patients with severe spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter prospective non-randomized cohort study during the peak of the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) Omicron strain epidemic. Clinical data were collected from nine centers in China between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Patients were categorized into good and poor outcomes groups based on modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge. Clinical characteristics were compared, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Additionally, coagulation function was compared between SARS-CoV-2 Omicron positive and negative patients.

Results

Among 86 included patients, 30 (35 %) had a favorable outcome, while 56 (65 %) had an unfavorable outcome. Of these, 32 (37 %) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 Omicron, while 54 (63 %) tested negative. Multivariate analysis identified Glasgow Coma Scale score and hypertension as independent risk factors affecting outcomes (P < 0.05). Surprisingly, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection emerged as a protective factor for patient outcomes (P < 0.05). Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron-positive patients exhibited significantly elevated fibrinogen levels upon admission (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In comparison to patients without SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection, patients with severe spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage who were co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron exhibited a more favorable short-term outcome.