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.

Frontiers in Neurology
|August 4, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

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.