Association between diastolic blood viscosity and functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke

While blood viscosity is recognized as a contributing factor in cerebrovascular disease pathophysiology, the specific role of diastolic blood viscosity (DBV) in functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) remains unclear. This study investigates the relationship between admission DBV levels and 3-month functional outcomes in patients with AIS.

We analyzed 413 AIS patients admitted within 7 days of symptom onset. We utilized a scanning capillary-tube viscometer to measure whole blood viscosity and categorized DBV into three groups based on established norms. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess the association between DBV levels and 3-month outcomes, as determined by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

The cohort had a mean age of 70.0 ± 13.2 years and 59.6% were male. Patients with high DBV tended to be younger, predominantly male, with higher body mass index, and more likely to be smokers. These individuals also exhibited higher levels of hemoglobin, low-density lipoprotein, and fasting blood sugar. Despite similar stroke etiology and initial severity, high DBV was significantly associated with poor 3-month outcomes (mRS 3-6; adjusted odds ratio 2.899; 95% confidence interval, 1.119-7.514).

Elevated DBV on admission is linked to worse functional outcome three months after AIS. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating DBV assessments into AIS prognosis and suggest a potential avenue for therapeutic intervention targeting blood rheology to improve cerebral microcirculation and stroke recovery.