Beta-thromboglobulin in antecubital vein blood in relation to history of a stroke.

The levels of beta-thromboglobulin (BTG) have been measured in the blood of 22 male and 22 female elderly patients who gave a past history of stroke, and in 31 males and 88 females of comparable age who gave no such history. Comparisons were made within and between the groups. In the stroke patients the relationship between BTG and age was not significant for either sex, nor was there a difference between the sexes. In the BTG/time from stroke relationship the females showed significantly higher levels the longer the time that had elapsed since the stroke, and this could not be explained solely by the factor of ageing. For males, on the other hand, there was a non-significant fall in BTG with days from stroke. In 'normal' subjects the BTG/age relationship was significant in females but not in males. No significant differences were demonstrated between the BTG/age relationships between the stroke and control groups and this was true for both sexes. The potential value of estimations of BTG in the elderly is discussed.