Open Access
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Arquivos Brasileiros de Neurocirurgia: Brazilian Neurosurgery 2025; 44(03): e195-e203
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1809961
Original Article

Unveiling the Impact of Intrathecal Fibrinolysis on Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Desvendando o impacto da fibrinólise intratecal na hemorragia subaracnoide aneurismática: Uma meta-análise de ensaios clínicos randomizados

Authors

  • John Nolan

    1   Department of Neurosurgery, Undata General Hospital, Palu, Indonesia
  • Audrey Rachel Wijaya

    1   Department of Neurosurgery, Undata General Hospital, Palu, Indonesia
  • Theodorus Kevin Putra Johansyah

    2   Department of Neurosurgery, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
  • Gede Aditya Ersa Krisnawan

    2   Department of Neurosurgery, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia

Funding The author(s) received no financial support for the research.
 

Abstract

Objective

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) poses a significant challenge in neurological emergencies, demanding effective therapeutic interventions to improve patient outcomes. Intrathecal fibrinolysis has emerged as a potential intervention to promote the resolution of blood clots within the subarachnoid space. within the subarachnoid space.

Methods

Extensive literature searches identified relevant RCTs exploring intrathecal fibrinolysis for aSAH management. Data extraction included study characteristics, the quality assessment of the study, and primary outcomes: delayed ischemic neurological deficit (delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND)) occurrence and poor neurological recovery (defined by GOS 1–3 or mRS 3–6). Along with the complications and drug preferences.

Results

9 RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. The majority of the RCTs demonstrate the promising effect of intrathecal fibrinolysis. Intracisternal fibrinolysis was found to significantly diminish the incidence of delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) (RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32–0.91) and poor neurological recovery (defined by GOS 1–3 or mRS 3–6) events (RR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.47–0.90). The significant impact in delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) events also showed in the subgroup analysis along with urokinase administration (RR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.16–0.62). While intraventricular fibrinolysis did not achieve statistical significance for the primary outcomes, overall findings suggested a beneficial effect considering the choice of drugs administered.

Conclusion

This comprehensive meta-analysis highlights the potential benefits of intrathecal fibrinolysis in reducing delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) occurrence and improving neurological recovery in aSAH patients. The promising results with intracisternal fibrinolysis and urokinase administration warrant further consideration in treatment protocols. Our findings contribute valuable insights, guiding evidence-based clinical decision-making and promoting advancements in aSAH management.


Resumo

Objetivo

A hemorragia subaracnoide aneurismática (aSAH) representa um grande desafio nas emergências neurológicas, exigindo intervenções terapêuticas eficazes para melhorar os desfechos dos pacientes. A fibrinólise intratecal surge como uma estratégia para promover a resolução de coágulos sanguíneos no espaço subaracnoide.

Métodos

Pesquisas extensivas na literatura identificaram ECRs (Ensaios Clínicos Randomizados) relevantes que exploram a fibrinólise intratecal no manejo da aSAH. A extração de dados incluiu as características dos estudos, avaliação da qualidade e os desfechos primários: ocorrência de déficit neurológico isquêmico tardio (delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND)) e recuperação neurológica ruim, além das complicações e preferências de medicamentos.

Resultados

Nove ECRs foram incluídos nesta meta-análise. A maioria dos ECRs demonstra o efeito promissor da fibrinólise intratecal. A fibrinólise intracisternal mostrou-se significativamente eficaz na redução da incidência de delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) (RR, 0,54; IC 95%, 0,32–0,91) e de eventos de recuperação neurológica ruim (RR, 0,65; IC 95%, 0,47–0,90). O impacto significativo nos eventos de delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) também foi evidenciado na análise de subgrupos com a administração de uroquinase (RR, 0,31; IC 95%, 0,16–0,62). Embora a fibrinólise intraventricular não tenha alcançado significância estatística nos desfechos primários, os achados gerais sugerem um efeito benéfico considerando a escolha dos medicamentos administrados.

Conclusão

Esta meta-análise abrangente destaca os potenciais benefícios da fibrinólise intratecal na redução da ocorrência de delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) e na melhora da recuperação neurológica em pacientes com aSAH. Os resultados promissores com a fibrinólise intracisternal e a administração de uroquinase justificam maior consideração nos protocolos de tratamento. Nossos achados contribuem com insights valiosos, orientando a tomada de decisões clínicas baseadas em evidências e promovendo avanços no manejo da aSAH.


Introduction

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) represents a significant challenge in neurological emergencies related to sudden and often intracranial bleeding resulting from the rupture of an intracranial aneurysm.[1] [2] [3] Despite significant advancements in neurocritical care, managing aSAH continues to pose significant challenges in an evolving field, with the potential for devastating neurological sequelae.[4] [5]

One promising therapeutic approach for aSAH is intrathecal fibrinolysis, a therapeutic approach targeted at dissolving intracranial blood clots by administering fibrinolytic agents within the subarachnoid space.[6] This procedure offers a localized and direct impact of addressing the clot burden, potentially mitigating the cascading events that lead to delayed ischemic neurological deficits (delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND)) and poor neurological outcomes, which continue to afflict a substantial proportion of aSAH patients.[6] [7]

As neuro-interventional medicine has developed, it also has the utilization of intrathecal fibrinolysis, resulting in interest in its efficacy, safety profile, and role in shaping the clinical landscape of aSAH management.[8] [9] Integrating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and their systematic evaluation provides a vital view to assess the evidence, offering insights that can guide clinical decision-making and refine treatment paradigms.

This paper explores the topic of intrathecal fibrinolysis in the context of aSAH, considering the historical background, pathophysiology, mechanism of action, and available clinical data. It examines the impact of intrathecal fibrinolysis on outcomes such as delayed ischemic neurological deficits DIND and neurological recovery, while also addressing complications and drug-related considerations through a review of RCTs.

The objective of this paper is to summarize the findings of recent studies, highlighting the potential benefits and limitations of intrathecal fibrinolysis in aSAH management. The analysis aims to support evidence-based clinical decision-making and contribute to improving care and outcomes for this serious neurological condition.


Methods

Literature Search Strategy

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to identify RCTs evaluating the use of intrathecal fibrinolysis in patients with an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). The search strategy included combinations of keywords and Boolean operators such as “subarachnoid hemorrhage,” “intrathecal fibrinolysis,” “intracisternal fibrinolysis,” “intraventricular fibrinolysis,” “urokinase,” “tissue plasminogen activator,” and “plasminogen activators” (e.g., “subarachnoid hemorrhage” AND “urokinase”). The research included studies published up to December 2023 without restriction on publication year or language following the PRISMA guideline ([Fig. 1]). Reference lists of included articles and relevant reviews were also manually screened to identify additional eligible studies.

Zoom
Fig. 1 Literature search and studies inclusion strategy.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Regarding inclusion, studies were obligated to be eligible for the following criteria: (1) The study population consisted of patients with aSAH. (2) The intervention including intracisternal or intraventricular fibrinolysis (3) The primary outcomes were focused on DIND and GOS scores based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (4) The secondary outcomes of interest included assessing the fibrinolytic preferences and the complications (hydrocephalus, vasospasms, hemorrhagic, mortality. (5) The study design had to be randomized controlled trials.


Data Collection and Quality Assessment

[Fig. 2]. assesses the included studies' quality based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias (ROB) tools. Data extraction was done to provide the characteristics of the studies. Several vital outcomes were included, such as delayed ischemic neurological deficits. Vasospasms hydrocephalus and unfavorable outcomes following a Glasgow Outcome Scale score ranging from 1 to 3 and a Modified Rankin Score between 3 and 6. Secondary outcome data were collected to calculate individual and combined risk ratios (RR) and use 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

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Fig. 2 Quality assessment of the studies included using the risk of bias Cochrane's Collaboration tools.


Results

We found 9 articles of RCTs that can be included in this study and analysis. All the 9 studies were assessed with RoB tools to assess the quality of the studies. The majority of the 9 studies provided a relatively high score for the criteria. This suggests that the studies included generally carried a low risk of bias. The characteristics of the studies included can be seen in [Table 1].

Table 1

Characteristics of the RCTs included in this analysis

Study

Year

Country

RCTs design

Total Patients

Male (%)

Fisher Grade 3–4 (%)

Clipping (%)

Thrombolytics

Timing

Delivery

Intervention

Control

Findlay et al[23]

1995

Canada

Multi center

51

49

50

NR

100

rt-Pa

Intraoperative

IC

Hamada et al[24]

2003

Japan

Multi center

53

57

34.5

87.3

0

UK

Postoperative

IC

Li et al[25]

2005

China

Single center

68

66

72.4

NR

NR

UK

Postoperative

IC

Hanggi et al[26]

2009

Germany

Single center

9

11

45

100

60

UK

Postoperative

IC

Yamamoto et al[15]

2010

Japan

Single center

20

20

35

87.5

100

TK

Postoperative

IC

Litrico et al[27]

2013

France

Single center

11

8

60

NR

60

rt-Pa

Postoperative

IV

Etminan et al[28]

2013

Germany

Single center

30

30

36.7

96.7

5.3

rt-Pa

Postoperative

IV

Kramer et al[17]

2014

Canada

Single center

6

6

25

100

0

tPa

Postoperative

IV

Eicker et al[29]

2012

Germany

Single center

16

19

48.6

100

59.1

rt-Pa

Postoperative

IV

Abbreviations: IC, intracisternal fibrinolysis; IV, intraventricular fibrinolysis; NR, not reported; urokinase, urokinase; tisokinase, Tisokinase; rtPA, recombinant type plasminogen activator; RCTs, randomized controlled trials.


Results regarding the DIND and poor neurological recovery (defined by GOS 1–3 or mRS 3–6) events analysis can be found in [Fig. 3]. The analysis of RCTs included in our study indicates that, overall, intracisternal fibrinolysis significantly reduces the occurrence of either DIND (RR, 0.54;95% CI, 0.32–0.91), p = 0.07, I2 = 51%) or poor neurological recovery (defined by GOS 1–3 or mRS 3–6) events (RR, 0.65;95% CI, 0.47–0.90), p = 0.20, I2 = 31%) compared with the control group. However, when examining both DIND (RR, 0.74;95% CI, 0.35–1.59), p = 0.21, I2 = 33%) and poor neurological recovery (defined by GOS 1–3 or mRS 3–6) events (RR, 0.77;95% CI, 0.53–1.11), p = 0.67, I2 = 0%) in studies with intraventricular fibrinolysis, our study indicates that it did not achieve statistical significance ([Fig. 4]).

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Fig. 3 Meta-analysis of the intracisternal fibrinolytic impact compared with the control group regarding (A) delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) incidence and (B) poor neurological recovery (defined by GOS 1–3 or mRS 3–6).
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Fig. 4 Meta-analysis of the intraventricular fibrinolytic impact compared with the control group in terms of (A) delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) incidence and (B) poor neurological recovery (defined by GOS 1–3 or mRS 3–6).

The analysis of the intrathecal fibrinolysis and DIND events stratified from the drugs administered can be seen in [Fig. 5]. Three RCTs using the urokinase as the fibrinolytic for the patients showed significant results compared with the control groups (RR, 0.31;95% CI, 0.16–0.62), p = 0.97, I2 = 0%). However, the analysis of the RCTs using tPA showed no significant impact in DIND events (RR, 0.76;95% CI, 0.52–1.12), p = 0.22, I2 = 27%). The overall findings indicate that the experimental group significantly reduces the incidence of DIND events, considering the choice of drugs administered. (RR, 0.61;95% CI, 0.41–0.91), p = 0.09, I2 = 40%).

Zoom
Fig. 5 Forest plot intrathecal fibrinolysis and delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) events analysis stratified from the drugs administered in the RCTs.

The analysis of complications can be seen in [Fig. 6]. vasospasm events revealed a significant difference (RR, 0.64;95% CI, 0.47–0.87, p = 0.13, I2 = 34%) between patients who underwent intrathecal fibrinolysis and those who did not ([Fig. 6A]). Only one out of the nine RCTs from Eicker et al. does not favor intrathecal fibrinolysis. Regarding the incidence of hydrocephalus, intrathecal fibrinolysis showed no significant difference. This suggests that the occurrence of hydrocephalus is comparable between the two groups, regardless of the better result shown by the intercisternal fibrinolysis RCTs (RR, 0.78;95% CI, 0.50–1.02, p = 0.38, I2 = 6%). Both analyses do not show significant differences in terms of hemorrhagic and mortality. The analysis showed no proof that intrathecal fibrinolysis increased the hemorrhagic complications compared with the control group (RR, 1.40;95% CI, 0.77–2.57, p = 0.80, I2 = 0%). Similar to the hemorrhagic complication, the mortality complication did not significantly separate the two groups. This finding suggests that patients with intrathecal fibrinolysis do not exhibit a decrease in overall mortality rate complication (RR, 0.67;95% CI, 0.44–1.02, p = 0.91, I2 = 0%). Funnel plots of the analysis can be seen in [Supplementary Figs. S1-S4].

Zoom
Fig. 6 Forest plot of the (A) vasospasm, (B) hydrocephalus, (C) hemorrhagic, (D) mortality.

Discussion

The management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains a complex challenge in the realm of neurocritical care. This discussion section critically interprets the findings of our comprehensive meta-analysis, focusing on intrathecal fibrinolysis, its efficacy in mitigating delayed ischemic neurological deficits DIND and improving neurological recovery, and its safety profile.

The included RCTs exhibited clinical heterogeneity in several aspects, including patient demographics, sample sizes, aneurysm severity, timing of fibrinolytic administration, and the specific fibrinolytic agents used (e.g., urokinase, rtPA, and tisokinase). These variations could influence the observed outcomes and limit the generalizability of the findings. To address this, subgroup analyses were conducted based on the route of administration (intracisternal versus intraventricular) and type of fibrinolytic agent. These subgroup results revealed that intracisternal administration and urokinase use were associated with more favorable outcomes, while intraventricular administration did not achieve statistical significance. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the I2 statistics, with moderate heterogeneity observed in some outcomes. While I2 values between 30% and 60% were considered indicative of moderate heterogeneity, consistent trends across studies suggest a potential benefit. The funnel plots of analysis can be seen in the supplementary.

Efficacy of Intrathecal Fibrinolysis

Our analysis of RCTs provides compelling evidence that intracisternal fibrinolysis significantly reduces the incidence of DIND and poor neurological recovery (defined by GOS 1–3 or mRS 3–6) in aSAH patients.[10] [11] These findings align with the concept that localized clot dissolution within the subarachnoid space may prevent or ameliorate the cerebral ischemia frequently accompanying aSAH in this meta-analysis, incorporating data from nine RCTs. DIND characterized by cerebral ischemia following SAH, is significant in morbidity and mortality.[12] [13] [14] Its underlying mechanism remains elusive, with recent research suggesting that vasospasm is not the sole culprit. Factors such as early brain injury, intravascular inflammation, and microthrombosis have also been implicated.[15] [16] Our study revealed a reduction in DIND incidence with intracisternal fibrinolysis, while no statistically significant difference was observed in the intraventricular fibrinolysis group. This divergence between intracisternal and intraventricular approaches underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of fibrinolytic techniques and their specific mechanisms of action within the subarachnoid space.[12] [17]


Drug-Specific Considerations

The impact of the choice of fibrinolytic agent on outcomes remains uncertain. Many thrombolytic agents employed in these investigations were tPA, rtPA, and urokinase. Notably, only one study assigned patients to either tPA or urokinase therapy, and it reported no significant differences in the effects of fibrinolysis on unfavorable neurological outcomes or DIND ischemic between patients treated with either agent.[18] [19] [20] Our subgroup analysis stratified by the choice of fibrinolytic agents provides valuable insights. The use of urokinase in intrathecal fibrinolysis demonstrated a significant reduction in DIND events, while tPA showed no significant impact. These findings suggest that the choice of fibrinolytic drug plays a critical role in the success of intrathecal fibrinolysis, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the optimal agent for this intervention.[12] [17]


Complications and Safety

Our analysis of complications, including vasospasm, hydrocephalus, hemorrhagic events, and mortality, shows a critical safety profile of intrathecal fibrinolysis. Notably, intrathecal fibrinolysis significantly reduced the incidence of vasospasm, significantly contributing to poor outcomes in aSAH. The targeted administration of drugs into the thecal compartment obviates the need to breach the blood-brain barrier, thus expanding the array of treatment options at one's disposal. External ventricular drains (EVDs) are commonly employed in several standard hospital protocols for the monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP). These devices serve as a simple method for the administration of medication via this route.[12] [17] [21] [22] However, the occurrence of hydrocephalus, hemorrhagic complications, and mortality did not show significant differences between the intrathecal fibrinolysis group and the control group.

These findings also align with recent research that indicated the incidence of chronic hydrocephalus requiring shunt placement after aSAH has happened up to 31.2%. Furthermore, patients who develop hydrocephalus after aSAH tend to have a less favorable prognosis than those who do not.[8]


Clinical Implications and Future Directions

Our meta-analysis showed the potential benefits of intracisternal fibrinolysis, mainly when using urokinase, in reducing DIND and improving neurological recovery in aSAH patients. These findings have clinical implications, suggesting that intrathecal fibrinolysis may be valuable to aSAH management protocols.

However, further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms of intraventricular fibrinolysis and explore its potential benefits fully. In this study, random-effects models were used throughout the meta-analysis to account for clinical and methodological heterogeneity among the included studies. This modeling approach assumes that the true effect size may vary due to differences in patient populations, treatment protocols, and settings. Several pooled estimates demonstrated wide confidence intervals, indicating underlying variability in study results and reduced precision of the effect estimates. Consequently, while trends favoring certain interventions, such as intracisternal fibrinolysis or urokinase, were observed, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. In particular, the number of RCTs specifically evaluating urokinase was limited, reducing the strength of any direct comparison with other fibrinolytic agents like rtPA. Statements suggesting a preference for urokinase should be tempered, as the evidence remains preliminary.



Conclusion

In conclusion, this meta-analysis contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of aSAH management. While challenges persist, intrathecal fibrinolysis, especially when administered intracisternal with urokinase, might possibly be useful for managing such patients. These findings encourage ongoing research and clinical exploration to advance the care of individuals affected by this complex neurological condition.



Conflict of Interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Availability of Data and Materials

The data used and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.


Authors' Contributions

JN, ARW, GAEK, TKPJ: data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation; JN: writing — original draft; JN, ARW, GAEK, TKPJ: copyediting, proofreading, and revision. All authors contributed to the conception and design of the study, critical revision of the manuscript, and final approval.


Supplementary Material


Address for correspondence

John Nolan, MD
Department of Neurosurgery, Undata General Hospital
Palu
Indonesia   

Publikationsverlauf

Eingereicht: 09. Januar 2025

Angenommen: 22. Mai 2025

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
08. Oktober 2025

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Fig. 1 Literature search and studies inclusion strategy.
Zoom
Fig. 2 Quality assessment of the studies included using the risk of bias Cochrane's Collaboration tools.
Zoom
Fig. 3 Meta-analysis of the intracisternal fibrinolytic impact compared with the control group regarding (A) delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) incidence and (B) poor neurological recovery (defined by GOS 1–3 or mRS 3–6).
Zoom
Fig. 4 Meta-analysis of the intraventricular fibrinolytic impact compared with the control group in terms of (A) delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) incidence and (B) poor neurological recovery (defined by GOS 1–3 or mRS 3–6).
Zoom
Fig. 5 Forest plot intrathecal fibrinolysis and delayed ischemic neurological deficit (DIND) events analysis stratified from the drugs administered in the RCTs.
Zoom
Fig. 6 Forest plot of the (A) vasospasm, (B) hydrocephalus, (C) hemorrhagic, (D) mortality.