Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
[Prothrombotic disturbances in children after ischemic stroke]
Insights
Children with ischemic stroke have a higher prevalence of prothrombotic gene mutations and elevated homocysteine levels. Screening for these factors and managing homocysteine with vitamins B6, B12, and diet is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Hematology
- Genetics
Context:
- Ischemic stroke in children is a significant neurological event.
- Prothrombotic genetic factors are implicated in stroke pathogenesis.
- Understanding these factors in pediatric populations is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose:
- To investigate the frequency of common prothrombotic polymorphisms in children with ischemic stroke.
- To assess homocysteine levels and coagulogram parameters in these patients.
- To identify potential risk factors and inform screening strategies.
Summary:
- A study of 36 children with stroke and 28 controls revealed a 2.8-fold higher incidence of prothrombotic mutations (e.g., MTHFR C677T, MTRR A66G) in the stroke group.
- Elevated homocysteine levels were observed in stroke patients, particularly in carriers of risk genotypes.
- Coagulogram analysis showed deficiencies in protein C, protein S, and antithrombin III, along with increased D-dimer levels.
Impact:
- Findings suggest screening for prothrombotic states and measuring homocysteine in children with ischemic stroke.
- Recommendations include lowering homocysteine levels through vitamin B6, B12 supplementation, and dietary modifications.
- This research contributes to improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for pediatric stroke.
Abstract:
Thirty-six patients with stroke, aged from 8 months to 15 years, and 28 control children, aged 1-15 years, were studied. In both groups, the evaluation of anamnesis, neurologic status and genotyping for 11 most common prothrombotic polymorphisms were carried out. Coagulogram tests and measurement of homocysteine were performed before the anticoagulant therapy in the main group. The total frequency of prothrombin gene mutations (G20210A, factor V Leiden, MTHFR C677T and MTRR A66G) was 2.8 times higher in the main group compared to the control one. The most frequent genotypes were 677TT (8.3% of cases) and 66GG (30.6%). In patients with stroke, the homocysteine level exceeded the upper limit of normal age and also was significantly elevated in carriers of abovementioned risk genotypes: 10.29 +/- 1.55 mcmol/l vs 7.33 +/- 0.6 mcmol/l (p = 0.018). The coagulogram revealed disorders of anticoagulant system, including the decrease of protein C activity (22.7% of cases), protein S activity (13.6%) and antithrombin III (12.5%) and the increase of D-dimer level (21% of cases). It has been suggested to screen for common prothrombotic states and measure homocysteine levels in children with ischemic stroke and to lower homocysteine levels by using vitamins B6 and B12' and diet.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction
Hemorrhagic Stroke l: Introduction

