Dyslipidemia as a risk factor for primary intracerebral hemorrhage

Most of the studies proved association between some lipoprotein fractions and hypocholesterolemia as risk factors for primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, there are studies that emphasize hypercholesterolemia (Hyper-Hol) as a risk factor. The present study aims at determining lipid fractions as risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage in our region.

A retrospective study included 92 patients with primary ICH treated during one year at the Department of Neurology in the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Novi Sad. Following clinical and demographic data, age and gender, risk factors with a focus on certain lipid fractions (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density- LDL, and high density - HDL cholesterol), types of hyperlipoproteinemia and disease outcome were analyzed.

Fifty-one (55%) females and forty-one (45%) males, mean age 67.6 years were enrolled in the study. Hyper-Hol was observed in 63 (69%) patients, hyper-LDL cholesterolemia in 68 (74%) patients and hypo-HDL cholesterolemia in 77 (84%) patients, while triglyceride levels were normal in majority of patients. No statistical significance between males and females was observed considering levels of total cholesterol (p=0.068), LDL cholesterol (p=0.156), triglycerides (p=0.363), while levels of HDL cholesterol were significantly higher in females (p=0.023). Hyperlipoproteinemia IIa was found in 51 (78%). Mortality rate was 25%.

Hypertrigliceridemia was not proved as a risk factor, while hyper-LDL cholesterolemia, hypo-HDL cholesterolemia, and hyper-Hol can be associated with primary ICH, which could justify further statin treatment in secondary prevention of this disease.