Related Experiment Videos
Anticardiolipin antibodies are an independent risk factor for first ischemic stroke. The Antiphospholipid Antibodies
Insights
Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) were found more frequently in first ischemic stroke patients compared to controls. These findings suggest aCL are an independent risk factor for stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
Background:
- Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality.
- Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for stroke prevention.
- The role of autoimmune markers like anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in ischemic stroke requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) in patients with first ischemic stroke.
- To assess whether aCL are an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 255 first ischemic stroke patients and 255 matched nonstroke controls.
- Sera were collected within 7 days of stroke onset or hospital admission.
- Anticardiolipin antibody levels were measured using standardized optical density values.
Main Results:
- A positive aCL level was detected in 9.7% of stroke patients versus 4.3% of controls.
- The adjusted odds ratio for stroke status, given aCL positivity, was 2.31.
- The frequency of aCL was significantly increased in first ischemic stroke patients.
Conclusions:
- Anticardiolipin antibodies are significantly more prevalent in patients experiencing their first ischemic stroke.
- Anticardiolipin antibodies represent an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke in the studied population.
Abstract:
We evaluated 255 consecutive first ischemic stroke patients and 255 age-/sex-matched hospitalized nonstroke patients at 15 medical centers for anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL). Sera were obtained within 7 days of stroke onset (cases) or hospital admission (controls) and stored at -20 degrees C until the aCL level was determined at a central laboratory. Results were read as negative, low, moderate, or high positive based on standardized optical density values. We recorded clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data without knowledge of antibody status. A positive aCL level was present in 9.7% of stroke patients and 4.3% of controls. The odds ratio for stroke status, given aCL positivity, was 2.31 after adjustment for age, ethnicity, gender, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and cigarette smoking. Thus the frequency of aCL is significantly increased in these patients with first ischemic stroke. Further, aCL appear to be an independent risk factor for stroke in these patients.