Plasma D-dimer predicts short-term poor outcome after acute ischemic stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomarkers
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) poses significant health challenges, with functional outcomes varying widely.
• Identifying reliable prognostic biomarkers is crucial for effective patient management and treatment stratification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive value of plasma D-dimer (D-D) for 90-day functional outcomes in patients with AIS.
• To assess the association between D-D levels and stroke severity, infarct volume, and mortality.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, observational cohort study involving 220 AIS patients.
• Plasma D-D concentrations were measured using a particle-enhanced, immunoturbidimetric assay.
• Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging data were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Plasma D-D levels showed a positive correlation with NIHSS scores (r=0.361) and infarct volume (r=0.449).
• Patients with unfavorable 90-day functional outcomes had significantly higher D-D levels compared to those with favorable outcomes (3.24 vs 0.88 mg/L).
• After adjusting for confounders, D-D remained an independent predictor of unfavorable functional outcome (OR 2.18) and mortality (OR 3.22).

Conclusions:

• Plasma D-dimer is a valuable biomarker for predicting 90-day functional outcome and mortality in AIS patients.
• D-dimer testing can assist clinicians in prognostication and potentially guide therapeutic decisions.
• Further research may explore the integration of D-dimer into routine stroke assessment protocols.