Comparison of changes in serum fibrinogen level in primary intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of evidence indicating that increase in fibrinogen is associated with increased risk of stroke. This study aimed to determine the type of stroke and the role of fibrinogen in stroke type. METHODS: This case-control study comprised 58 hospitalized patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke. Demographic and clinical characteristics, type of stroke and fibrinogen level were collected after starting the treatment. RESULTS: The prevalence of ICH was higher in men than in women so that 60% of men and 39.3% of women in this study were diagnosed with this type of stroke. In contrast, the corresponding figures for ischemic stroke were 40% and 60.7%, respectively. Statistical analysis by chi-square test revealed significant difference in the type of stoke in terms of gender (P = 0.026). The mean fibrinogen levels was lower in patients with ICH (348 ± 96 mg/dl) than in patients with ischemic stroke (381 ± 126 mg/dl), however this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). Fibrinogen levels were significantly higher in women than in men (390 ± 111 vs. 340 ± 110 mg/dl, respectively, P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Although the mean fibrinogen level was not significantly different in ICH and ischemic stroke patients, it is recommended to examine the serum fibrinogen and its related factors at least for those patients with non-modifiable risk factors and in particular for those with family history and genetic background.