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Anticardiolipin antibodies are an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke
J Zieliñska1, D Ryglewicz, E Wierzchowska
1Second Department of Neurology, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland.
Insights
Anticardiolipin antibodies are an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke, alongside hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Elevated levels are linked to cognitive impairment but not stroke recurrence or mortality.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
Background:
- Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability.
- The role of anticardiolipin antibodies in stroke etiology requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if anticardiolipin antibodies are an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke.
- To assess the influence of these antibodies on stroke type and clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 194 ischemic stroke patients and 100 healthy controls.
- Assessment of neurological and functional status at baseline, 30 days, and 1 year.
- Multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors.
Main Results:
- IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were significantly more prevalent in stroke patients (25.3%) than controls (6%).
- Anticardiolipin antibodies were identified as an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke (RR = 2.94).
- Elevated antibodies correlated with cognitive impairment but not stroke recurrence or mortality.
Conclusions:
- Anticardiolipin antibodies represent an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke.
- Cognitive impairment is associated with elevated IgG anticardiolipin antibodies post-stroke.
- These antibodies do not appear to influence stroke recurrence or mortality.
Abstract:
Our aim was to determine if anticardiolipin antibodies are an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and to determine their influence on stroke type and clinical outcome. We prospectively studied 194 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke admitted within 48 h of stroke. A control group consisted of 100, age and sex matched, healthy individuals. Neurological and functional status was assessed on admission, at 30 days, and at 1 year. IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were significantly more frequent in stroke patients (25.3%) than controls (6%, p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis suggested that anticardiolipin antibodies are an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke in addition to hypertension and atrial fibrillation (RR = 2.94, p < 0.05). Elevated IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were associated with cognitive impairment as measured by the Mini Mental State Examination at 30 days and at 1 year. IgG anticardiolipin antibodies did not correlate with stroke recurrence, or mortality at 30 days or 1 year.