TITLE:
Effect of Postoperative Administration of Saireito for Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematomas
AUTHORS:
Satoshi Utsuki, Hidehiro Oka, Chihiro Kijima, Madoka Inukai, Katsutoshi Abe, Kimitoshi Sato, Sachio Suzuki, Kiyotaka Fujii
KEYWORDS:
Bilateral Chronic Subdural Hematomas, Contralateral Hematoma, Medical Treatment, Saireito, Steroid-Like Effect
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Vol.2 No.3,
July
19,
2011
ABSTRACT: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the efficacy of saireito for bilateral chronic subdural hematomas (B-CSDH). Between April 2006 and March 2010, a total of 18 patients undergoing unilateral burr hole drainage for B-CSDH took part in a controlled clinical study. Postoperative status of the nonsurgical side was subsequently evaluated, with (n = 10) and without (n = 8) saireito administration. Two in the saireito-treated group patients and four in the control group patients ultimately required contralateral surgical intervention. The remainder, including eight saireito-treated hematomas, resolved without further surgery, generally within eight weeks of the surgical side procedure. However, two of the four resolving control lesions took longer to regress. The hydragogue and anti-inflammatory/steroid-evoking properties ascribed to saireito may facilitate hematoma resolution. After unilateral surgery for B-CSDH, saireito administration may prevent symptomatic deterioration of a contralateral low-density CSDH, preempting subsequent surgery.