International Care Bundle Evaluation in Cerebral Hemorrhage Research

Summary

Spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) accounts for approximately 10-15% of all strokes but stands for 50% of stroke-related morbidity and mortality. Approximately half of all patients with ICH have a decreased level of consciousness at hospital admission. Despite this, intensive care and neurosurgical interventions are uncommon. A study conducted in low- and middle-income countries has demonstrated a beneficial effect of a treatment package consisting of early intensive blood pressure lowering, as well as the treatment of pyrexia and elevated blood glucose levels. The I-CATCHER team is now planning to conduct a similar study in Sweden and Australia, as well as in other high-income countries. The study has a clear focus on implementation, aiming to improve treatment and prognosis for patients with ICH within a few years. The purpose of I-CATCHER is to investigate whether a structured treatment package (Care Bundle) improves 3-month prognosis in patients with spontaneous ICH compared to standard care.

Conditions

• Intracerebral Hemorrhage
• Intracerebral Haemorrhage
• Intraventricular Hemorrhage
• Stroke
• Cerebrovascular Disease

Interventions

OTHER

Reversal of Oral anticoagulation within 30 minutes

In situations of either an elevated INR with the use of warfarin - treatment with either 3- or 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) or fresh frozen plasma (FFP) within 30 minutes of ICH diagnosis on NCCT to reach and maintain an INR target \<1.3; or where there has been recent use (\<48 hours) of a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), use of an appropriate reversal agent within 30 minutes, where available, and according to local approvals.

OTHER

Early intensive blood pressure lowering

A systolic blood pressure (BP) target of 130-140 mmHg within 30 minutes of ICH diagnosis on NCCT is strived for, and to maintain this BP level for the first 7 days (for patients presenting with blood pressure \<200 mmHg). If blood pressure ≥200 and \<220, a target BP of 160 mmHg should be targeted at 30 minutes, and 130-140 mmHg should be achieved in 60 minutes. If BP ≥220, target BP of 160 mmHg and should be achieved in 60 minutes.

OTHER

Treatment of pyrexia

To achieve a body temperature target \<37.5 °C within the first 24h following ICH diagnosis on NCCT

OTHER

Hyperglycemia treatment

To maintain a blood glucose level 7-10 mmol/L within the first 24h following ICH diagnosis on NCCT

OTHER

Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) or withdrawal of care

Refrain from the use of DNR or withdrawal of care orders for 48 hours

OTHER

Referral to Intensive Care

Immediate (\<30 min) referral to intensive care if airway, breathing and/or circulation are compromized

OTHER

Referral to Neurosurgery

Immediate (\<30 min) referral to neurosurgery if any of the following criteria are fulfilled: * Large and/or rapidly evolving supratentorial ICH (\>20 ml volume) * Any intraventricular extension * Posterior fossa bleed, irrespective of volume * Suspicion of a vascular malformation, independent of volume or location * Reduction in reaction to sensory stimulation or drowsiness

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Repeat brain imaging

Repeat 6-12-hour brain imaging with the physicians choice of modality, preferably computed tomography (CT), if clinical deterioration or the patient received OAC reversal treatment

OTHER

Standard care

For patients in the usual-care group, decisions about the location of care delivery, investigations, monitoring, and all treatments are made by the treating clinical team. Data will be collected regarding the management of patients, including insertion of invasive monitoring devices, intravenous fluid resuscitation, BP lowering, vasoactive support, glycemic control, mechanical ventilation, neurosurgery, and other supportive therapy.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The George Institute for Global Health, Australia

  collaborator OTHER

• Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

  collaborator OTHER

• Region Skane

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-01-07

Primary Completion

2027-03-01

Completion

2027-07-31

Countries

• United States
• Australia
• Canada
• Hong Kong
• Iceland
• Italy
• Malaysia
• Sweden

Study Locations