Factors affecting mortality in rectus sheath hematoma: A retrospective study

Aim: Rectus sheath hematoma is a rare clinical condition. Because it could mimic various intra-abdominal pathologies suspicious approach and attention is needed for proper diagnosis and management of rectus sheath hematoma. The aim of this study is a review of factors affecting mortality in patients with rectus sheath hematoma besides clinical features, diagnosis modalities, treatment periods and results of patients with rectus sheath hematoma. Material and Method: Twenty-three patients with rectus sheath hematoma from January 2012 to March 2017 in a tertiary care center were included in the study. Patients' files were reviewed retrospectively. Reviewed variables were demographic and clinical features, symptom and findings, co-morbidities, medications, laboratory findings, diagnostic modalities, APACHE II scores, treatment approaches, transfused blood products and length of hospital stay. Results: Fifteen (65.2%) of the patients were women, and 8 (34.8%) of the patients were men. The mean age was 61.9 +/- 13.5. Seventeen (74%) of the patients had abdominal pain. Twenty (87%) of the patients had anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy. The mean hematoma diameter was 6.3 +/- 3.6 cm. The mean APACHE II score for the patients was 13.1 +/- 7.3. One patient had undergone surgery. There was mortality in 3 (13%) of the patients. The median length of stay in hospital was 5 (5) days. Discussion: The diagnosis of rectus sheath hematoma should be kept in mind while assessing old female patients and patients on anticoagulants with a complaint of abdominal pain. In our study, we identify risk factors such as higher APACHE - II scores, the presence of a transient ischemic attack, need for transfusion of more units of packed erythrocytes and more extended hospital stay as factors associated with mortality.