Association between alpha 1-antitrypsin levels and intracranial aneurysms: a case-control study.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Alpha 1-antitrypsin (A1AT) is crucial for maintaining vascular integrity.
• The specific role of A1AT in the development and rupture of intracranial aneurysms remains largely undetermined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum A1AT levels in patients with intracranial aneurysms.
• To compare A1AT levels between ruptured and unruptured aneurysm groups.
• To assess the correlation of A1AT levels with vasospasm and functional outcomes post-aneurysm events.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical records from 2018-2022.
• Inclusion of 233 patients with unruptured aneurysms, 114 with ruptured aneurysms, and 55 controls with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
• Serum A1AT levels were measured during routine outpatient evaluations.

Main Results:

• Mean A1AT levels were comparable across unruptured (134.9 ± 23.3 mg/dL), ruptured (132.1 ± 20.3 mg/dL), and control groups (132 ± 19 mg/dL).
• No significant association was found between A1AT levels and the presence of intracranial aneurysms compared to controls (OR: 1.07; p=0.40).
• A1AT levels did not correlate with aneurysm rupture (OR: 0.94; p=0.27), vasospasm (OR: 0.94; p=0.67), or poor functional outcomes (OR: 0.77; p=0.23).

Conclusions:

• Serum A1AT levels do not appear to be a significant factor differentiating ruptured from unruptured intracranial aneurysms.
• A1AT levels showed no statistically significant association with the occurrence of vasospasm or long-term functional recovery in patients with intracranial aneurysms.