EVALUATION OF D-DIMER IN ISCHEMIC STROKE PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: The rising incidence of stroke-associated morbidity and mortality significantly
contributes to the socioeconomic challenges faced by communities. This investigation aimed to
analyze the levels of D-dimer in individuals diagnosed with ischaemic stroke.
Methodology: The research was executed on participants who consented in writing before
inclusion. Quantitative D-dimer levels were measured through venous sampling upon hospital
admission. The severity of stroke was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke
Scale (NIHSS), wherein a higher NIHSS score indicates greater neurological impairment.
Findings: A significant correlation was found between the NIHSS score and D-dimer levels,
suggesting that higher D-dimer levels are associated with more severe stroke outcomes.
Furthermore, the study observed a significant relationship between the size of the cerebral infarct
observed in CT scans and D-dimer levels, with larger infarcts correlating with higher D-dimer
levels. A significant correlation was observed between elevated D-dimer levels and Diabetes
mellitus and Hypertension.
Conclusion: Elevated D-dimer levels, indicative of thromboembolic events, were significantly
associated with ischemic stroke severity, as evaluated by NIHSS scores and infarct size on
NCCT-head imaging. Thus, D-dimer measurements serve as a critical parameter in assessing the
severity of stroke, underscoring the importance of this biomarker in the clinical evaluation of
stroke patients.