Timing of INR reversal using fresh-frozen plasma in warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage

Rapid reversal of coagulopathy is recommended in warfarin-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (WAICH). However, rapid correction of the INR has not yet been proven to improve clinical outcomes, and the rate of correction with fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) can be variable. We sought to determine whether faster INR reversal with FFP is associated with decreased hematoma expansion and improved outcome. We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected cohort of consecutive patients with WAICH presenting to an urban tertiary care hospital from 2000 to 2013. Patients with baseline INR > 1.4 treated with FFP and vitamin K were included. The primary outcomes are occurrence of hematoma expansion, discharge modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and 30-day mortality. The association between timing of INR reversal, ICH expansion, and outcome was investigated with logistic regression analysis. 120 subjects met inclusion criteria (mean age 76.9, 57.5% males). Median presenting INR was 2.8 (IQR 2.3–3.4). Hematoma expansion is not associated with slower INR reversal [median time to INR reversal 9 (IQR 5–14) h vs. 10 (IQR 7–16) h, p = 0.61]. Patients with ultimately poor outcome received more rapid INR reversal than those with favorable outcome [9 (IQR 6–14) h vs. 12 (8–19) h, p = 0.064). We find no evidence of an association between faster INR reversal and either reduced hematoma expansion or better outcome.