Stroke is the second leading cause of death and the third leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization1. It occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, often due to blood clots. Timely detection of these clots is critical for preventing stroke and minimizing its life-threatening and debilitating effects.
While imaging techniques like CT and MRI scans are essential for diagnosing stroke, laboratory diagnostics play a vital role in identifying biomarkers that indicate an impending or ongoing stroke. These biomarkers provide critical information, helping clinicians make quick, informed decisions that lead to faster treatment and better recovery outcomes.
Key Biomarkers in Stroke Detection
Laboratory biomarkers have emerged as valuable tools in diagnosing and predicting strokes. Among the most critical biomarkers used in stroke diagnostics are D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), and cardiac troponins. Each of these biomarkers offers unique insights into the pathophysiological processes of stroke and can aid in timely decision-making.
1. D-dimer: A Marker for Blood Clot Formation
D-dimer is a protein fragment produced when a blood clot dissolves. Elevated levels of D-dimer are indicative of increased fibrinolytic activity, which is often associated with ischemic stroke—a condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. While D-dimer levels alone are not diagnostic of stroke, they can point to abnormal clot formation and dissolution, making it a valuable marker in assessing stroke risk.
In patients suspected of having an ischemic stroke, measuring D-dimer levels can help in ruling out or confirming the presence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE), conditions that increase stroke risk. Moreover, D-dimer can be used alongside imaging tests to quickly stratify patients based on their likelihood of having a stroke, allowing for faster therapeutic decisions.
2. C-reactive Protein (CRP): Inflammation and Stroke Risk
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein that rises in response to systemic inflammation. Elevated CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke. Inflammation plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis and the subsequent rupture of plaques, which can lead to ischemic strokes.
By monitoring CRP levels, laboratory professionals can provide valuable information on a patient’s inflammatory status, which may predict the likelihood of a stroke. In cases of acute stroke, CRP levels are often elevated, providing additional clues for diagnosis. The routine use of CRP in stroke diagnostics may offer insights into the inflammatory processes that contribute to stroke, allowing clinicians to implement early preventive strategies.
3. Troponins: Bridging the Gap between Stroke and Cardiac Health
Cardiac troponins are traditionally used to diagnose myocardial infarction, but recent studies have shown that elevated troponin levels can also be seen in stroke patients. Troponins are released into the bloodstream during cardiac muscle damage, but they can also be elevated due to the stress placed on the heart during a stroke, especially in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
In cases of stroke, elevated troponin levels may indicate increased cardiac risk, including atrial fibrillation or heart failure, both of which are common complications of stroke. By measuring troponins in stroke patients, clinicians can assess the extent of cardiac involvement and adjust treatment plans accordingly, particularly in managing stroke-related cardiac issues.
Importance of Rapid and Accurate Biomarker Detection
The timely detection of these biomarkers is vital for guiding clinical decisions and initiating appropriate treatment for stroke patients. Rapid diagnostic assays that can detect D-dimer, CRP, and troponins within minutes allow healthcare professionals to streamline the diagnostic process. In emergency situations where every minute counts, accurate and prompt biomarker detection enables faster intervention, such as administering thrombolytic agents or performing mechanical thrombectomy in ischemic stroke cases.
Moreover, integrating biomarker testing with traditional imaging techniques can provide a more comprehensive picture of a patient's condition, improving diagnostic accuracy and reducing the chances of misdiagnosis.
Our offerings for timely detection of Stroke
Erba Transasia provides a wide range of advanced products for the early detection of coagulation disorders. This includes specialized tools for measuring D-dimer levels and the state-of-the-art ECL series of coagulation analyzers, available in semi-automated and fully automated models. The series includes the ECL 105 (single channel), ECL 412 (4-channel), and ECL 760 (7-channel) analyzers, all designed to support the early identification of clotting disorders with precision and efficiency.
Erba Transasia stands as a benchmark in diagnostics, embodying a commitment to innovation, accessibility, affordability, and reliability. Driven by a vision to foster a healthier and happier world, Erba Transasia continuously raises the bar for excellence in diagnostics.
Reference:
- https://www.who.int/southeastasia/news/detail/28-10-2021-world-stroke-day