Predisposing factors in patients with early-onset cerebral vein thrombosis

Prevalence and geographical variation of Factor V Leiden in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis: A meta-analysis

Background

Previous results regarding the prevalence of Factor V Leiden (FVL) in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) varied remarkably. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the potential association between FVL and CVT.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science were searched for relevant case-control studies. The data were pooled for analysis of the association between FVL and CVT with a random-effects model. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the results. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot and the Egger’s test.

Results

A total of 39 case-control studies including 1807 cases of CVT and 7699 control cases were included. FVL was more common in patients with CVT (195/1822) than in controls(369/7795), [odds ratio(OR) = 2.70, 95% confidence interval(CI) 2.16–3.38, P < 0.00001]. Results of subgroup analyses indicated that the association between FVL and CVT varied according to geographic regions. The associations between FVL and CVT were significant in studies from Germany (OR = 2.42, 95%CI 1.70–3.45, P < 0.00001), Brazil(OR = 2.82, 95%CI 1.24–6.42, P = 0.01), France (OR = 5.44, 95%CI 1.35–21.92, P = 0.02), Iran (OR = 6.61, 95%CI 1.83–23.93, P = 0.004), and Tunisia (OR = 6.54, 95%CI 2.89–14.82, P < 0.00001), but not in those from Italy (OR = 1.49, 95%CI 0.59–3.78, P = 0.40) or the US (OR = 2.37, 95%CI 0.59–9.42, P = 0.22).

Conclusion

FVL may be more common in patients with CVT. However, the association between FVL and CVT varied depending on the geographic origin of the studies.

Risk factors and recurrent thrombotic episodes in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of thrombophilic abnormalities in patients with cerebral vein thrombosis has been reported to be similar to that in patients with deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb. The role of gender-specific risk factors (pregnancy, oral contraceptives) is well established, whereas that of other acquired risk conditions is debated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We screened 56 patients with cerebral vein thrombosis and 184 age- and sex-matched apparently healthy controls for prothrombin (factor II, FII) G20210A and factor V Leiden polymorphisms; protein S, protein C, and antithrombin deficiency; anticardiolipin antibodies; hyperhomocysteinaemia and other putative risk factors.

RESULTS

The G20210A polymorphism was found in 29.1% of patients and in 5.7% of controls (odds ratio [OR] 7.1; P<0.0001; adjusted OR 12.67, P<0.0001). Frequencies of factor V Leiden and hyperhomocysteinaemia were not significantly different in patients and controls, nor were the other thrombophilic tests and some established cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, obesity or overweight and arterial hypertension. Conversely, 53.7% of the women who developed cerebral vein thrombosis did so while assuming oral contraceptives (OR 6.12; P<0.0001), with a further increase of risk in FII G20210A carriers (OR 48.533). Some associated diseases (onco-haematological disorders and infections) also had a significant role. Over a median 7-year follow-up, irrespective of the duration of antithrombotic treatment, 9/56 (16%) patients had further episodes of venous/arterial thrombosis. No significant risk factor for recurrent thrombosis was identified.

DISCUSSION

In spite of the limitations of the sample size, our data confirm the role of FII G20210A mutation in this setting and its interactions with acquired risk factors such as oral contraceptives, also highlighting the risk of recurrent thrombosis in cerebral vein thrombosis patients.

Hypercoagulation Testing in Ischemic Stroke

Context.—The utility of laboratory testing for hypercoagulability in the setting of stroke is uncertain.

Objective.—To review the current literature and to make recommendations with regard to laboratory testing for various hypercoagulability risk factors for ischemic stroke.

Data Sources.—Published articles studying the utility of various hypercoagulation tests in predicting initial and/or recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack as well as cerebral vein thrombosis were collected and reviewed, with an emphasis on prospective studies.

Conclusions.—Certain tests, such as C-reactive protein, homocysteine, antiphospholipid antibodies, and lipoprotein(a), may be useful in patients with a history of stroke or at high risk for stroke, as evidenced by prospective data. Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, protein C, protein S, and antithrombin are not recommended for routine testing but may be useful in certain populations, such as in pediatric patients or in patients with cerebral vein thrombosis.