D-Dimer versus International Normalized Ratio of Prothrombin Time in Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Sufficient Warfarin

In patients receiving chronic warfarin therapy, the international normalized ratio of prothrombin time (PT-INR) reportedly correlates with the incidence, size, severity, and outcome of ischemic stroke, and thus there are guidelines for the optimal PT-INR range that is to be maintained during secondary or primary prevention of ischemic stroke. However, the details of ischemic stroke in patients in whom an optimal PT-INR is maintained by warfarin therapy have not been thoroughly investigated. We conducted a retrospective study to determine the predictors of the size, severity, and outcome of ischemic stroke occurring in patients under chronic warfarin therapy and maintenance of an optimum PT-INR.
Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research