A Therapeutic International Normalized Ratio Results in Smaller Infarcts and Better Outcomes for Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Background: Prior studies have shown that warfarin is effective for both primary and secondary stroke prevention in individuals with atrial fibrillation. It is also known that those on warfarin with atrial fibrillation often have poorer long-term poststroke outcomes, possibly because cardioembolic strokes tend to be larger and more severe. Less is known regarding the direct effect of the international normalized ratio (INR) value at the time of stroke on severity or long-term functional status. Methods: We prospectively followed a consecutive series of 112 patients presenting to our institution with acute ischemic stroke between 2013 and 2018 who were on warfarin.
Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research