Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) accounts for approximately 10-15% of all strokes but stands for 50% of stroke-related morbidity and mortality. Approximately half of all patients with ICH have a decreased level of consciousness at hospital admission. Despite this, intensive care and neurosurgical interventions are uncommon. A study conducted in low- and middle-income countries has demonstrated a beneficial effect of a treatment package consisting of early intensive blood pressure lowering, as well as the treatment of pyrexia and elevated blood glucose levels. The I-CATCHER team is now planning to conduct a similar study in Sweden and Australia, as well as in other high-income countries. The study has a clear focus on implementation, aiming to improve treatment and prognosis for patients with ICH within a few years. The purpose of I-CATCHER is to investigate whether a structured treatment package (Care Bundle) improves 3-month prognosis in patients with spontaneous ICH compared to standard care.
Adults (age ≥18 years)
Non-contrast computerized tomography (NCCT) imaging-verified diagnosis of spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage
≤24 hours from symptom onset or presumed symptom onset (last seen well)
Previous care limitation
End-stage comorbidity with short life-expectancy (<6 m; e.g. terminal cancer)
ICH caused by brain tumor or cerebral venous thrombosis
Clinical signs of brain herniation at first presentation (unresponsive patient with bilaterally fixed, maximally dilated pupils)
Region Skane
Lead sponsor
The George Institute for Global Health, Australia
Collaborator
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Collaborator