Ankle-Brachial Index and Recurrent Stroke Risk: Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Neurology
• Diagnostic Markers

Background:

• The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a noninvasive measure of peripheral artery disease.
• ABI is a known indicator of atherosclerotic burden.
• Its role in predicting stroke recurrence requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between ABI and stroke recurrence.
• To explore ABI's utility as a marker for vascular risk in stroke patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE, and Pubmed databases was conducted.
• Included prospective cohort studies with ABI measurement and at least 12-month follow-up.
• Meta-analysis of adjusted hazard ratios for recurrent stroke and combined vascular events.

Main Results:

• Eleven studies with 5374 patients were analyzed.
• Low ABI was associated with a 1.70-fold increased hazard of recurrent stroke (HR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.10-2.64).
• Low ABI was associated with a 2.22-fold increased risk of vascular events or death (HR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.67-2.97).

Conclusions:

• The study confirms a positive association between low ABI and increased stroke recurrence.
• ABI may serve as a valuable predictor of vascular risk in stroke survivors.
• Further research is warranted to integrate ABI into stroke prediction models and patient management.