Early Lumbar Drainage for Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a life-threatening complication of acute stroke, associated with high rates of mortality and severe disability, fewer than 20% of survivors achieve favorable functional outcomes. Despite widespread use of external ventricular drainage (EVD) and intraventricular thrombolysis, the role of early lumbar drainage in improving outcomes remains controversial, with limited high-level evidence from randomized controlled trials. This study uses a 1:1 stratified block randomization design, with stratification by the etiology of IVH, site of ventricular obstruction, and participating center. Eligible patients will be randomized to receive either: Control group: Standard treatment with EVD plus daily intrathecal urokinase (30,000 IU) for up to 3 to 5 days. Intervention group: The same standard EVD and urokinase regimen, plus early lumbar drainage initiated within 24 hours of EVD placement. Drainage will be titrated to a rate ≤8 mL/h, with a maximum daily volume of 200 mL, to maintain stable intracranial pressure. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients with a favorable functional outcome (mRS 0-3) at 180 days. Secondary endpoints include 90-day functional status, incidence of post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, hospital length of stay, and mortality. Safety endpoints include all-cause mortality, intracranial infection, and cerebral herniation. A total of 392 patients will be enrolled, with an interim efficacy analysis planned when 50% of participants complete their 180-day follow-up.