Plasma fibrinogen and platelet count in stroke

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Hematology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Acute ischemic cerebral infarction (CI) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity.
• Understanding the early pathophysiological mechanisms of CI is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Plasma fibrinogen and platelet count are key hemostatic factors potentially involved in stroke pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamic changes in plasma fibrinogen levels and platelet counts in patients with acute ischemic cerebral infarction.
• To explore the correlation between plasma fibrinogen and platelet count in the early phase of stroke.
• To elucidate the role of fibrinogen in platelet aggregation within the ischemic area in vivo.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 30 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic cerebral infarction.
• Measurement of plasma fibrinogen levels and platelet counts at three and nine days post-symptom onset.
• Comparison of patient values with control groups and statistical analysis of correlations.

Main Results:

• On day three post-stroke, patients exhibited hyperfibrinogenemia (379.4 +/- 80.3 mg/dL) and reduced platelet counts (207.133 +/- 48.388 x 10(9)/L) compared to controls.
• An inverse correlation (r = -0.41, p < 0.05) was observed between plasma fibrinogen and platelet count on day three.
• By day nine, platelet counts normalized, plasma fibrinogen levels slightly increased, and the inverse correlation disappeared.

Conclusions:

• Elevated plasma fibrinogen levels in the early phase of ischemic stroke may influence platelet accumulation or consumption in the affected brain region.
• The findings provide in vivo evidence that platelet aggregation is significantly dependent on plasma fibrinogen concentration.
• These results highlight the critical role of fibrinogen in the acute phase of cerebral infarction and suggest it as a potential therapeutic target.