[Prothrombotic factors in stroke]

INTRODUCTION

Factor V Leiden and prothrombin 20210A polymorphisms are the most common mutations related to deep vein thrombosis, however their relationship with stroke is debated. This paper studies the possible relationship between both entities.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A case-control study was conducted during 27 months to study their association. A total of 312 stroke cases were included, 73 were under 60 years. Control group was obtained from blood donors. Factor V Leiden and prothrombin 20210A polymorphism prevalence was studied. Results were analyzed according to the age and the type of stroke (TOAST classification, 1993).

RESULTS

Factor V Leiden was not related to stroke in the general population (OR: 0.65; 95 % CI: 0.18-2.27). The study according to age did not show any association (younger than 60 years: OR: 1.12; 95 % CI: 0.21-5.90; older than 60 years: OR: 0.50; 95 % CI: 0.11-2.14). However, prothrombin 20210A polymorphism OR in cases under 60 was OR: 2.92; 95 % CI: 0.71-11.92 suggesting a possible association between this mutation and stroke. There was no association in the general population (OR: 2.0; 95 % CI: 0.63-6.29) or in people over 60 (OR: 1.73; 95 % CI: 0.51- 5.83). The analysis according to stroke subtype did not show any association in the distribution of any of the polymorphisms studied.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that prothrombin 20210A polymorphism may play a role in stroke under 60 years of age. Factor V Leiden does not seem to be related to stroke.