Peripheral iron metabolism in patients with focal cerebral ischemia

To ascertain the possible role of iron as a risk factor for cerebral ischemia, we studied the serum levels of iron, transferrin and ferritin in 42 patients between the third and seventh days after a cerebral ischemic event (transient ischemic attack, reversible ischemic neurological deficit or cerebral infarction) and in 62 matched controls. The serum levels of iron did not differ significantly between cerebral ischemic patient and control groups. Serum transferrin levels were lower and ferritin higher in stroke patients than in controls. These values were not influenced by age, blood pressure, or smoking and alcohol drinking habits. These results suggest that iron stores could be related to the risk for cerebral ischemia.