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[Anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with cerebral vascular accident]
M Soares1, M F Morais, I Soares
1Serviço de Medicina II, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Lisboa.
Insights
Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) are linked to acute cerebral ischemia. Higher ACA IgM levels were observed in stroke patients, suggesting ACA may be an independent risk factor for stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Acute cerebral ischemia, commonly known as stroke, poses a significant health challenge.
- Identifying independent risk factors is crucial for stroke prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) as independent risk factors for acute cerebral ischemia (stroke).
- To compare ACA levels in stroke patients versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- Prospective controlled study involving 81 patients with acute cerebral ischemia.
- Measurement of anticardiolipin antibodies (IgG and IgM) at the time of stroke and at 6 months.
- Logistic regression analysis to assess ACA's association with stroke, controlling for other risk factors.
Main Results:
- Stroke patients exhibited significantly higher mean ACA IgM levels compared to controls during the acute event.
- ACA IgG and IgM levels decreased significantly in patients at 6 months post-stroke.
- Logistic regression confirmed a statistically significant association between ACA IgM and stroke, independent of other risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute cerebral ischemia.
- The cross-reactivity of ACA with anti-oxidized LDL antibodies could link atherosclerosis and thrombosis in stroke development.
Abstract:
Through a prospective controlled study of 81 non-selected patients with acute cerebral ischemia, admitted to the hospital over the period of one year, anticardiolipin antibodies (IgG and IgM) were compared to a control group with the objective of evaluating their place as independent risk factors for stroke. Stroke patients' anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) were again measured at 6 months and compared to the initial values. At the time of the acute ischemic event, the patients' mean ACA IgM was significantly higher than that of the controls and, at 6 months, the patients' mean ACA IgG and IgM were significantly lower than at the time of stroke. Furthermore, through logistic regression analysis and taking into account all other stroke risk factors present in the patient population, ACA IgM's association with stroke was statistically significant. We conclude that ACA may have a role in the pathogenesis of acute cerebral ischemia. Their cross-reactivity with anti-oxidised LDL antibodies may constitute a link between atherosclerosis and thrombosis.