Fibrinogen gamma' in ischemic stroke: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To determine the contribution of fibrinogen gamma' levels and FGG haplotypes to ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Associations between fibrinogen gamma' levels, fibrinogen gamma'/total fibrinogen ratio, and FGG haplotypes with the risk of ischemic stroke were determined in 124 cases and 125 controls.

RESULTS

Fibrinogen gamma'/total fibrinogen ratio was higher in patients than in controls during the acute phase of the stroke and lower in the convalescent phase 3 months after the stroke. FGG haplotype 3 (H3) was associated with a reduced risk of ischemic stroke (odds ratio 0.60; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.94), but not with the fibrinogen gamma'/total fibrinogen ratio. In contrast, FGG-H2 was associated with a decreased fibrinogen gamma'/total fibrinogen ratio, but not with risk of stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Fibrinogen gamma'/total fibrinogen ratio is associated with ischemic stroke, especially in the acute phase of the disease. In addition, FGG-H3 haplotype appears to be protective against ischemic stroke.