Hemostatic function and progressing ischemic stroke: D-dimer predicts early clinical progression

Barber, M., Langhorne, P. , Rumley, A., Lowe, G.D.O. and Stott, D.J. (2004) Hemostatic function and progressing ischemic stroke: D-dimer predicts early clinical progression. Stroke, 35(6), pp. 1421-1425. (doi: 10.1161/01.STR.0000126890.63512.41)

Abstract

<p><b>Background and Purpose:</b> Early clinical progression of ischemic stroke is common and is associated with increased risk of death and dependency. We hypothesized that activation of the coagulation system is an important contributor in some cases of deterioration. We aimed to characterize alterations in circulating hemostatic markers in patients with progressing stroke.</p> <p><b>Methods:</b> Consecutive acute ischemic stroke admissions were recruited. Progressing stroke was defined by deterioration in components of the Scandinavian Stroke Scale. Hemostatic markers (coagulation factors VIIc, VIIIc, and IXc, prothrombin fragments 1+2 [F1+2], thrombin-antithrombin complexes [TAT], D- dimer, fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor [vWF] and tissue plasminogen activator) were measured within 24 hours of symptom recognition.</p> <p><b>Results:</b> Fifty-four (25%) of the 219 patients met criteria for progressing stroke. F1+2 (median 1.28 versus 1.06 nmol/L, P=0.01), TAT (5.28 versus 4.07 mug/L, P lt 0.01), D-dimer ( 443 versus 194 ng/mL, P lt 0.001) and vWF (216 versus 198 IU/dL, P lt 0.05) levels were higher in these patients than in stable/improving patients. In logistic regression analysis, with all important clinical and laboratory variables included, only natural log D-dimer (odds ratio [OR]: 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38 to 2.54; P=0.0001) and mean arterial blood pressure (OR: 1.26 per 10 mm Hg change; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.51; P=0.01) remained independent predictors of progressing stroke.</p> <p><b>Conclusions:</b> There is evidence of excess thrombin generation and fibrin turnover in patients with progressing ischemic stroke. Measurement of D-dimer levels can identify patients at high risk for stroke progression. Further research is required to determine whether such patients benefit from acute interventions aimed at modifying hemostatic function.</p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Rumley, Dr Ann and Langhorne, Professor Peter and Lowe, Professor Gordon and Stott J, Professor David
• Authors: Barber, M., Langhorne, P., Rumley, A., Lowe, G.D.O., and Stott, D.J.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Stroke
• Publisher: American Heart Association
• ISSN: 0039-2499
• ISSN (Online): 1524-4628
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2004 American Heart Association
• First Published: First published in Stroke 35(6):1421-1425
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher