Outcomes of hemorrhagic stroke in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases: An analysis of the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Abstract Aim To determine whether and how rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and systemic sclerosis (SSc) affect outcomes in patients admitted for hemorrhagic stroke. Methods This study screened the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for adults aged ≥20 years admitted to US hospitals with a principal diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) between 2005 and 2018. Diagnoses were determined using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th revisions (ICD‐9 and ICD‐10) diagnostic codes for ICH (ICD‐9: 431, 432; ICD‐10: I61, I62). Study outcomes were: (1) in‐hospital mortality; (2) unfavorable discharge, defined as transfer to nursing homes or long‐term care facilities; and (3) prolonged length of stay (LOS), defined as LOS >75th centile. Results Associations between comorbid RA, SLE, and SSc and clinical outcomes show a significantly lower risk of in‐hospital mortality and prolonged LOS in RA patients. After admissions for ICH, the risk for in‐hospital mortality and prolonged LOS was decreased in RA patients, and the risk for unfavorable discharge (long‐term care) was reduced in SLE patients. Conclusions Among patients admitted to US hospitals for hemorrhagic stroke, patients with RA had decreased risk for in‐hospital mortality and prolonged LOS.