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The relationship between lipids level and cerebral microbleeds in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Hao Feng1, Xin Wang1, Wenjuan Wang1
1Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Background:
Previous studies indicate a potential link between elevated serum lipid levels and an increased risk of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). Since multiple CMBs can elevate the risk of future intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), it is important to explore the relationship between lipid profiles and CMBs in ICH patients. However, data on this specific correlation in ICH populations are currently limited.
Methods:
This study retrospectively enrolled 223 consecutive patients from a spontaneous ICH cohort. We collected comprehensive clinical, demographic, and laboratory data, with a focus on lipid levels and the presence of CMBs. Using a multivariate logistic regression model, we investigated the association between lipid parameters and CMB occurrence.
Results:
Among the 223 patients, 111 (49.8%) had CMBs. Univariate analysis showed that individuals without lobar CMBs tended to have higher levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and non-high-density lipoprotein (Non-HDL). After adjusting for potential confounders, TC [odds ratio (OR), 0.989; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.979-0.999; p = 0.028] and Non-HDL (OR, 0.989; 95% CI, 0.979-1.000; p = 0.043) were identified as independent predictors of lobar CMBs.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest an inverse correlation between TC and Non-HDL levels and the presence of lobar CMBs in ICH patients. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the causal relationship between statin use and CMBs in ICH patients and to evaluate the prognostic significance of CMB presence and severity in statin-treated individuals.
Insights
Lowering serum total cholesterol (TC) and non-high-density lipoprotein (Non-HDL) may reduce cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) risk in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This study found an inverse correlation between these lipid levels and CMBs.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Previous research suggests a link between high serum lipids and increased risk of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs).
- CMBs are associated with a higher risk of future intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).
- Limited data exists on the specific correlation between lipid profiles and CMBs in ICH patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between lipid profiles and the presence of CMBs in patients with spontaneous ICH.
- To identify specific lipid parameters that may predict CMB occurrence in ICH patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 223 consecutive patients from a spontaneous ICH cohort.
- Collection of clinical, demographic, and laboratory data, focusing on lipid levels and CMB presence.
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the association between lipid parameters and CMB occurrence.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (49.8%) of the patients had CMBs.
- Univariate analysis indicated higher serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and non-high-density lipoprotein (Non-HDL) in patients without lobar CMBs.
- Adjusted analysis identified TC and Non-HDL as independent predictors of lobar CMBs (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- An inverse correlation exists between TC and Non-HDL levels and the presence of lobar CMBs in ICH patients.
- Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm causality and evaluate the role of statins in managing CMBs in ICH.
- The prognostic significance of CMBs in statin-treated ICH patients requires further investigation.

