Rupa Gopinathan1, Deepa Gopalakrishna2, Saboora Beegum3, Thomas Iype4
BACKGROUND
Disturbance of brain iron homeostasis have been linked to acute neuronal injury
following cerebral ischemia. Increased body iron stores measured as serum ferritin
is an acute-phase reactant involved in cellular defence against oxidative stress and
it constitutes the main intracellular iron storage protein. In a healthy population,
iron excess may not be a major concern; however, in persons with high oxidative
stress and dyslipidaemia, iron excess may place them at greater risk. Hence this
study is undertaken to find out the role of iron in acute ischemic stroke and to
estimate the iron stores, measured as serum ferritin in acute ischemic stroke
patients.
METHODS
A minimum of 180 consecutive patients above 40 years in the acute phase of
ischemic stroke within 72 hours of first episode admitted to the neurology
department was selected for the study. Data collection was based on Interview
method by detailed questionnaire and laboratory investigations. Quantitative
determination of serum ferritin was done by immunoenzymatic colorimetric
method using ELISA technique. Association of risk factors like age, gender, place
of residence, history of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes between cases
with elevated ferritin and normal values were analysed.
RESULTS
In the present study incidence of stroke was more common among patients with
the age group of more than 50 years and among the 180 cases, 75 % showed
elevated serum ferritin levels. Association of risk factors between cases with
elevated ferritin and cases with normal ferritin were studied and it shown that
history of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and diabetes were statistically significant.
Multiple logistic regression showed history of hypertension and dyslipidaemia that
were independent predictors of elevated ferritin levels among stroke patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Serum Ferritin was increased in acute ischemic stroke patients. There was
significant association of factors like history of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and
diabetes with elevated ferritin levels.
