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Hematologic risk factors for stroke in Saudi children
Mustafa A Salih1, Abdel-Galil M Abdel-Gader, Ahmed A Al-Jarallah
1Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. mustafa@ksu.edu.sa
Saudi Medical Journal
|March 15, 2006
Summary
Hematologic disorders, including sickle cell disease (SCD), are significant risk factors for stroke in Saudi children. Prothrombotic conditions and severe SCD phenotypes require attention for stroke prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Hematology
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Stroke in children is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Identifying specific risk factors in pediatric populations is crucial for effective prevention and management.
- Hematologic disorders represent a potential area of concern for pediatric stroke.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hematologic risk factors contributing to stroke in a cohort of Saudi children.
- To characterize the prevalence and types of hematologic abnormalities associated with pediatric stroke in this region.
Main Methods:
- A combined retrospective and prospective study design was employed.
- Evaluated 104 Saudi children diagnosed with stroke between 1992 and 2003.
- Utilized neuroimaging, transcranial Doppler (TCD), Duplex scans, and comprehensive hemostatic assays.
Main Results:
- Hematologic disorders were identified in 46.2% of stroke cases, with prothrombotic disorders being prominent (31.7%).
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) or SCbeta(0)-thalassemia was a significant risk factor (11.5%), often presenting with severe phenotypes and multiple strokes.
- Raised anticardiolipin antibodies (26.5%) and deficiencies in natural anticoagulants like protein S and protein C (21.4% each) were frequently observed.
Conclusions:
- Prothrombotic disorders and the severe manifestations of sickle cell disease (SCD) are critical risk factors for stroke in Saudi children.
- Early identification and management of these hematologic conditions are essential for reducing stroke incidence and improving outcomes.
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