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Anticardiolipin antibody in stroke
1Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Insights
Anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) screening in stroke patients showed a low prevalence of 2%. This study found no strong association between ACA and stroke, questioning the value of routine ACA testing for stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) is linked to cerebral ischemia and thrombosis.
- The prevalence and significance of ACA in stroke patients remain unclear.
- ACA is considered a marker for increased thrombotic risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ACA in patients diagnosed with stroke.
- To investigate the association between ACA and stroke, including infarction and hemorrhage.
- To evaluate the clinical utility of routine ACA screening in stroke patients.
Main Methods:
- Consecutive stroke patients admitted to the hospital were studied.
- A total of 246 patients (141 men, 105 women) aged 34-91 years were screened for ACA.
- ACA levels were measured, and positivity was assessed based on elevated concentrations, with isotype analysis performed.
Main Results:
- Elevated ACA was found in 2% of stroke patients (2.3% with infarction, 1.3% with hemorrhage).
- All positive cases involved IgG isotype ACA.
- No significant association was identified between ACA positivity and stroke occurrence in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of anticardiolipin antibody in stroke patients is low.
- Routine screening for ACA in stroke patients is of questionable clinical value.
- Further research may be needed to clarify the specific role of ACA in certain stroke subtypes.
Abstract:
Anticardiolipin antibody (ACA) has been associated with cerebral ischemia, suggesting an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular thrombosis and a marker for increased thrombotic risk. Its prevalence and significance in stroke are unknown. In this study, consecutively admitted patients diagnosed as having stroke were studied. A total of 246 patients, 141 men and 105 women, aged 34 to 91 years (mean age, 63.5 years), were screened for the presence of ACA. Elevated concentration of circulating ACA was present in 4 out of 170 patients with infarct, and in 1 out of 76 patients with hemorrhage. They were 4 men and 1 woman, aged 49 to 84 years (mean age, 66.8 years). The prevalence of ACA in stroke was 2% (2.3% for infarction and 1.3% for hemorrhage). All the elevated ACA were of IgG isotype. No strong association between antibody positivity and stroke was found in this study. The routine screen of ACA in stroke is of questionable value.