Predictive Role of f-QRST Angle in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The investigators investigated the association between the frontal QRS/T angle measured on admission ECG and 28-day mortality, as well as neurological outcome in patients with non-traumatic aneurysmal SAH. Specifically, the investigators tested the hypothesis that an increased frontal QRS/T angle would be independently associated with higher mortality and poorer clinical outcomes in patients with SAH. Accordingly, the investigators also analyzed the relationship between the frontal QRS/T angle and neurological status assessed based on Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), as well as disease severity determined by the Hunt-Hess and Fisher grading systems.

Patients were divided into two groups: survivors and non-survivors. Survivors were further classified as mobile or immobile according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Patients who remained comatose or dependent in daily activities were classified as immobile (GOS 1-3), while those who returned to normal life or were able to perform daily activities independently were classified as mobile (GOS 4-5). Demographic and clinical characteristics as well as ECG findings were compared between these groups, and the relationship between the frontal QRS/T angle, 28-day mortality, and disease severity was evaluated. Independent predictors of mortality were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis of variables (demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and ECG changes) that differed significantly between survivors and non-survivors. An area under the curve (AUC) analysis was then conducted to identify the predictive role of the f-QRST angle in patients with SAH.