Arterial ischemic stroke in childhood: the role of plasma-phase risk factors

Eirini Nestoridi1, Ferdinando S Buonanno, Robin M Jones

  • 1Massachusetts General Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.

Insights

Plasma-phase risk factors for pediatric stroke remain unclear, especially in newborns and children with sickle cell disease. Further research is needed to understand their role in childhood stroke pathogenesis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Hematology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • The role of plasma-phase risk factors in pediatric stroke is poorly understood due to limited large-scale prospective studies.
  • Risk factors vary significantly across different pediatric age groups, including newborns, children with sickle cell disease, and older children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of plasma-phase risk factors in pediatric stroke.
  • To highlight the need for further research into the specific mechanisms and contributions of these factors in various pediatric populations.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on plasma-phase risk factors and pediatric stroke.
  • Analysis of the differential impact of risk factors across age groups and specific conditions like sickle cell disease.

Main Results:

  • Factor V Leiden, prothrombin 20210A, and lipoprotein (a) are implicated in arterial ischemic stroke in older children.
  • The contribution of these factors to stroke in newborns and children with sickle cell disease is uncertain, with other mechanisms likely predominating.

Conclusions:

  • Comprehensive evaluation of childhood stroke requires assessment of clinical presentation, imaging, and plasma-phase risk factors.
  • Current therapeutic strategies, including anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents, primarily target older children.

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction01:17

Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

A hemorrhagic stroke is an acute neurological event that occurs when a weakened cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to accumulate within or around the brain. The sudden release of blood forms a focal hematoma that increases intracranial pressure, displaces neural tissue, and can obstruct cerebrospinal fluid pathways. These effects may be compounded by intraventricular extension of the hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or compression of adjacent structures, all of which contribute to...
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:29

Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

A hemorrhagic stroke develops when a cerebral blood vessel ruptures, allowing blood to escape into the surrounding brain tissue, as in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or into the subarachnoid space, as in subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Because the skull is a rigid compartment, the sudden presence of extravascular blood rapidly increases intracranial pressure and compresses adjacent neural structures, leading to immediate tissue injury and impaired cerebral perfusion.Mass Effect and Primary...
Stroke: Introduction and Types01:29

Stroke: Introduction and Types

A stroke is an acute neurological event caused by the sudden disruption of cerebral blood flow, leading to rapid loss of neuronal function. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief interruptions can cause irreversible injury within minutes. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types.Ischemic StrokeIschemic strokes are most common and occur due to arterial occlusion, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This leads to energy failure, ionic...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...