D-dimer levels and stroke progression in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation.

摘要

BACKGROUND: Patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation are at increased risk of stroke progression and recurrence. We sought to assess whether D-dimer and other markers of hemostatic activation could predict these adverse events in such patients. METHOD: Blood samples were obtained from patients included in the Heparin in Acute Embolic Stroke Trial. Stroke progression was defined as a >/=3-point worsening on the Scandinavian Stroke Scale during the first 48 h after randomization. Blood samples were analyzed for D-dimer, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, soluble fibrin monomer, and C-reactive protein. RESULTS: A total of 382 patients were included in the analyses. Levels of D-dimer and other markers of hemostatic activation were not significantly higher in patients with stroke progression than in other patients (D-dimer median values: 1025 ng/ml vs 970 ng/ml, P = 0.73). The same was true for recurrent stroke (D-dimer: 720 ng/ml vs 973 ng/ml, P = 0.96), and the combined endpoint of stroke progression, recurrent stroke, and death (D-dimer: 991 ng/ml vs 970 ng/ml, P = 0.91). Multivariable analyses did not alter the results. CONCLUSION: D-dimer and other markers of hemostatic activation were not associated with stroke progression, recurrent stroke, or death in patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation.