The HALP Index as a Bridge Between Nutrition, Inflammation, and Coagulation in Predicting DVT Risk in Stroke...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science
• Clinical Medicine
• Hematology

Background:

• The hemoglobin-albumin-lymphocyte-platelet (HALP) index integrates nutritional, inflammatory, and immune status.
• Its predictive role for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in stroke patients is not well-established.
• The influence of HALP on coagulation biomarkers like D-dimer requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the HALP index and DVT occurrence in stroke patients.
• To explore HALP's potential role in moderating D-dimer levels and DVT formation.
• To assess HALP as a predictor for DVT in the stroke population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 611 stroke patients, categorized into HALP index quartiles.
• Multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were employed.
• Moderation analysis examined the interaction between HALP and D-dimer levels.

Main Results:

• Higher HALP index quartiles showed a significant inverse association with DVT occurrence (p < .001).
• RCS modeling indicated a threshold effect, with increased DVT risk below a HALP level of 33.5.
• HALP significantly moderated the association between D-dimer and DVT, particularly in males and overweight individuals.

Conclusions:

• The HALP index is a strong, independent predictor of post-stroke DVT.
• HALP plays a moderating role in the prothrombotic effects of D-dimer.
• The HALP index offers clinical utility for early DVT risk stratification and personalized prevention in stroke patients.