Published online Nov 26, 2019. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i22.3751
Peer-review started: September 7, 2019
First decision: September 23, 2019
Revised: October 31, 2019
Accepted: November 14, 2019
Article in press: November 14, 2019
Published online: November 26, 2019
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is mainly caused by cerebral blood flow disorders, which further leads to ischemic brain necrosis or encephalomalacia. The role of homocysteine (Hcy) for cardiovascular disease in the development of atherosclerosis is gradually revealed.
Studies are rare and little is known about the prognostic role of Hcy in AIS .
To explore the relationship between Hcy level and prognosis in elderly patients with AIS after thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA).
A total of 120 patients with AIS who underwent rtPA therapy were randomly selected. They were divided into two groups according to the level of Hcy, with 60 patients in each group. Patients with Hcy ≥ 18.54 µmol/L were included into a high-level group and those with Hcy < 18.54 µmol/L were included into a low-level group. The outcomes of the patients were analyzed after the treatment.
The National institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were significantly higher in the high-level group than in the low-level group before and 1 h after the treatment. The Modified Rankin scale (MRS) scores were also significantly higher in the high-level group than in the low-level group before and 1 h after the treatment. NIHSS and MRS scores were positively correlated with the prognosis after thrombolytic therapy.
Hcy level is associated with the prognosis of elderly patients with AIS. After treatment with rtPA, the prognosis of patients is significantly improved.