Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026
14:19
Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Published on: October 14, 2016
12.1K
Association of anemia and hemoglobin decrease during acute stroke treatment with infarct growth and clinical outcome
Sebastian Bellwald1, Rupashani Balasubramaniam1,2, Michael Nagler3
1Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Plos One
|September 27, 2018
Summary
Anemia and hemoglobin decrease during acute stroke treatment worsen outcomes and increase mortality. Hemodilution may accelerate infarct growth, suggesting potential for improved outcomes if hemoglobin levels are maintained.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Hematology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Anemia is linked to poor stroke outcomes.
- The specific impact of anemia on outcomes following reperfusion therapies (thrombolysis, endovascular therapy) remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of anemia in infarct evolution.
- To determine the effect of anemia on patient outcomes after acute stroke treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1158 patients from Bern and 321 from Los Angeles.
- Prospective recording of baseline data and 3-month outcomes (modified Rankin Scale).
- Measurement of infarct volumes (DWI, CT, MRI) and statistical analysis (multivariable, linear regression).
Main Results:
- Lower hemoglobin levels at baseline, 24h, and nadir predicted poor outcome and higher mortality, irrespective of treatment.
- Hemoglobin decrease post-admission, often due to hemodilution, correlated with poor outcome and increased infarct growth.
- Infarcts were twice as large in patients with newly observed anemia.
Conclusions:
- Anemia at admission and hemoglobin decrease during treatment negatively impact stroke outcomes.
- Hemodilution appears to adversely affect brain tissue surrounding the infarct (penumbra).
- Prospective studies are needed to evaluate if preventing hemoglobin decrease can improve outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Hemoglobin
8.5K
Hemoglobin is a globular protein made up of four subunits. Two of these subunits are alpha chains, and the other two are beta chains. Each subunit contains a molecule of heme, which has an iron atom and can bind to oxygen. When an oxygen molecule binds to one heme group, it changes the shape of hemoglobin, making it easier for the other heme groups to bind oxygen as well.
When all four heme groups are bound to oxygen, the resulting molecule is called oxyhemoglobin. As a result, arterial blood...
When all four heme groups are bound to oxygen, the resulting molecule is called oxyhemoglobin. As a result, arterial blood...
8.5K
01:30Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
873
Acute pancreatitis presents a complex medical emergency characterized by rapid onset inflammation of the pancreas, demanding timely diagnosis and management to prevent complications. The condition primarily manifests through severe upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back. This pain intensifies following the consumption of fatty foods. Accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, fever, dyspnea, cyanosis, and jaundice can vary in intensity but significantly...
873
01:27Decreasing Function
299
A decreasing function describes a relationship where the output consistently declines as the input increases. This means that for any two input values, if one is greater than the other, the corresponding output is smaller. Mathematically, a function f is decreasing on an interval I if for every x1 < x2 in I, f (x1) > f (x2). This type of behavior is visually identified on a graph that slopes downward from left to right.The nature of a function can be analyzed by calculating...
299
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
435
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
435
01:29Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
949
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...
949
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
1.1K
A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by...
1.1K