Increasing Temporal Trends in the Frequency of Methamphetamine-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage in the Philippines
Publication Date
1-1-2025
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Cerebrovascular Diseases Extra
Abstract
Abstract – Introduction: Methamphetamine is an established risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Despite growing concerns over its abuse, particularly in the Philippines, region-specific data on its neurological consequences remain lacking. This study aimed to investigate the temporal trends in the frequency of methamphetamine-associated ICH (Meth-ICH) in the Philippines. Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with ICH at the Philippine National Specialty Center for Brain and Spine Care between 2018 and 2024 were retrospectively included. Meth-ICH cases were identified through positive urine toxicology tests at the time of admission. Frequency counts of total ICH and Meth-ICH cases were used to calculate the proportion of Meth-ICH cases for each year. Temporal trends were assessed using the two-sided Cochrane-Armitage test for trend, and by analyzing absolute and relative changes in proportions. Results: Of the 1, 652 ICH patients included, 116 (7.02%) tested positive for methamphetamine. The proportion of Meth-ICH cases increased 11.82-fold over the 7-year study period, rising from 1.49% (4/268, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15%–1.83%) in 2018 to 17.58% (74/421, 95% CI: 14.04%–21.12%) in 2024. Between 2018 and 2021, no significant changes were observed in the number and proportion of Meth-ICH cases. A nonsignificant upward trend was noted between 2021 and 2022, with a relative change in proportion of 67.30% (95% CI: −86.57% to 231.17%; p = 0.635). A significant increase in the proportion of Meth-ICH cases was seen between 2022 and 2024, with relative changes in proportion of 310.70% (95% CI: 213.70%–407.70%; p = 0.003) from 2022 to 2023, and 100.80% (95% CI: 5.89%–207.69%; p = 0.001) from 2023 to 2024. Conclusion: There was an increasing trend in the frequency of Meth-ICH cases in the Philippines from 2018 to 2024, with a significant and sustained surge beginning in 2022. Comprehensive evidence-based public health strategies are urgently needed, particularly in regions with high rates of methamphetamine use.
First Page
218
Last Page
224
APA Citation
Pedregosa, B. I. C., Villaraza, S. G., Escabillas, C. G., Baroque, G. A. B., Sabellano, Z. F. A., Dayrit, K. C., Tenorio-Javier, A. M. J., Gan, H. H., Esagunde, R. U., & Navarro, J. C. (2025). Increasing Temporal Trends in the Frequency of Methamphetamine-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage in the Philippines. Cerebrovascular diseases extra, 15(1), 218–224. https://doi.org/10.1159/000548522