Anticardiolipin antibodies are an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke

Abstract

Our aim was to determine if anticardiolipin antibodies are an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke and to determine their influence on stroke type and clinical outcome. We prospectively studied 194 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke admitted within 48 h of stroke. A control group consisted of 7 00, age and sex matched, healthy individuals. Neurological and functional status was assessed on admission, at 30 days, and at 1 year. IgC anticardiolipin antibodies were significantly more frequent in stroke patients (25.3%) than controls (6%, p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis suggested that anticardiolipin antibodies are an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke in addition to hypertension and atrial fibrillation (RR=2.94, p < 0.05). Elevated IgG anticardiolipin antibodies were associated with cognitive impairment as measured by the Mini Mental State Examination at 30 days and at 7 year. IgC anticardiolipin antibodies did not correlate with stroke recurrence, or mortality at 30 days or 7 year. [Neurol Res 1999; 21: 653-657]