D-Dimer Is Associated With First-Ever Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Hypertension is a primary risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).
• Identifying high-risk groups for ICH requires further characterization.
• Plasma biomarkers offer a predictive approach for disease risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the plasma biomarker D-dimer and the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Main Methods:

• A population-based, nested case-control study utilized data from the Västerbotten Intervention Programme and MONICA Northern Sweden surveys.
• 141 cases of first-ever ICH were matched with 255 controls.
• Multivariable analysis adjusted for hypertension, BMI, cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking.

Main Results:

• Elevated D-dimer levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of ICH (OR, 1.36 per SD; 95% CI, 1.05-1.77) after adjustment.
• The association was strongest in individuals with the shortest time from blood sampling to ICH event (<3.5 years; OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.05-3.05).

Conclusions:

• High plasma D-dimer concentrations are linked to a heightened risk of future ICH.
• This association is particularly pronounced in individuals with a shorter time interval between blood sampling and the ICH event.