γ/total fibrinogen ratio is associated with short-term outcome in ischaemic stroke

Fibrinogen γ' (γ') is a natural isoform of fibrinogen, and alters the rate of formation and the properties of clots. It could therefore affect outcome after ischaemic stroke. The prognostic significance of γ' fibrinogen levels is, however, still unclear. It was the objective of this study to assess levels of γ' in ischaemic stroke, and its association with short-term outcome. We included 200 ischaemic stroke patients and 156 control persons. Total fibrinogen and γ' levels were measured; outcome at discharge was assessed by means of the modified Rankin Scale score (defined as unfavourable when >2). We compared levels between patients and controls using multiple linear regression analysis, and logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between levels and outcome. All analyses were adjusted for age and sex. Mean γ' levels were significantly higher in patients with ischaemic stroke than in controls (0.37 vs. 0.32 g/l, p