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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Ischemic stroke in children: a study of the associated alterations
Josiane Ranzan1, Newra Tellechea Rotta
1Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. ranzan@terra.com.br
Insights
Pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is complex, often linked to prothrombotic disorders like protein S and C deficiencies. Identifying these risk factors is crucial for better childhood stroke management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Hematology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Childhood arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is rare, multifactorial, and poorly understood.
- It can be severe, impact children significantly, and signal underlying systemic diseases.
- Delayed diagnosis is common, with limited research in this pediatric subspecialty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of pediatric AIS.
- To identify potential causative factors, particularly prothrombotic disorders.
- To explore the association between prior pathologies and AIS in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 46 pediatric patients (0-18 years) diagnosed with AIS between March 2002 and September 2003.
- Laboratory tests included coagulation protein analysis (specifically proteins S and C).
- Echocardiograms were performed to assess cardiac contributions.
Main Results:
- AIS occurred in newborns in 37% of cases.
- Focal seizures and hemiparesis were the most common presenting symptoms.
- Protein S deficiency was found in 22% and protein C deficiency in 17% of patients.
- 40% of patients had pre-existing conditions.
- Multiple risk factors, including hypercoagulable states, were identified.
Conclusions:
- Prothrombotic disorders, such as protein S and C deficiencies, are significant contributors to pediatric AIS.
- Children with AIS often present with multiple risk factors, including underlying pathologies and hypercoagulability.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex etiology and improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for childhood stroke.
Abstract:
Arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) in children is a relatively rare disease, not yet clearly understood and with a multifactored etiology. It can cause a severe impact on the child and be the first manifestation of a systemic disease. Delayed diagnosis is still common and research on the subject in our field practically does not exist. Prothrombotic disorders have been described as important causative factors of the ischemic event in children. Forty-six patients from zero to 18 years of age diagnosed with AIS were studied in the period between March 2002 and September 2003. Laboratory tests were realised including coagulation proteins and echocardiogram. AIS of the newborn occurred in 37% of the cases. Focal seizures and hemiparesis were the most frequent symptoms; 40% of the patients presented prior pathologies. Abnormalities of the S and C proteins occurred in 22% and 17%. Associated alterations, particularly those that generate a hypercoagulability state, indicate more than one risk factor for this disease in childhood.
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