Screening for coagulation disorders in patients with ischemic stroke

• Published in: Expert review of neurotherapeutics Vol. 10; no. 8; pp. 1321 - 1329
• Main Authors: de Lau, Lonneke ML, Leebeek, Frank WG, de Maat, Moniek PM, Koudstaal, Peter J, Dippel, Diederik WJ
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Informa Healthcare 01.08.2010; Taylor & Francis; Expert Reviews Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Blood clotting disorders; Blood Coagulation Disorders - blood; Blood Coagulation Disorders - complications; Blood Coagulation Disorders - diagnosis; Blood Coagulation Disorders - genetics; Blood Coagulation Disorders - physiopathology; Brain Ischemia - blood; Brain Ischemia - etiology; Brain Ischemia - genetics; Brain Ischemia - physiopathology; Care and treatment; Child; coagulation; Complications and side effects; Diagnosis; diagnostic testing; Factor V - genetics; Female; Humans; Hyperhomocysteinemia - complications; Hyperhomocysteinemia - diagnosis; Mass Screening; Prevention; Protein C Deficiency - complications; Protein C Deficiency - diagnosis; Protein S Deficiency - complications; Protein S Deficiency - diagnosis; Prothrombin - genetics; Risk Factors; Sex Factors; stroke; Stroke (Disease); Stroke - blood; Stroke - etiology; Stroke - genetics; Stroke - physiopathology; thrombophilia; Thrombophilia - complications; Thrombophilia - diagnosis; treatment; Netherlands
• ISSN: 1473-7175; 1744-8360
• DOI: 10.1586/ern.10.104

The role of coagulation disorders in the pathogenesis of (recurrent) ischemic stroke is uncertain. Therefore, the clinical utility of screening patients with ischemic stroke for these conditions and the therapeutic implications of a detected coagulation disorder in a patient who experienced ischemic stroke are uncertain. We reviewed the currently available data on the relationship between various inherited and acquired coagulation abnormalities (factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A mutations, deficiencies of protein C, protein S and anti-thrombin, hyperhomocysteinemia, the antiphospholipid syndrome and increased levels of fibrinogen) and ischemic stroke. Based on the existing evidence we discuss the usefulness of screening stroke patients for prothrombotic conditions and current recommendations regarding the optimal management of ischemic stroke patients in whom a coagulation disorder is found.