Imagine your bloodstream is a bustling city, filled with different components that help keep things running smoothly. One of these components is bilirubin, a molecule that has both protective and potentially harmful effects. A recent study explored the relationship between bilirubin levels and bleeding in patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous thrombolysis. The results showed that higher levels of serum bilirubin were associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). This means that individuals with higher bilirubin levels were more likely to experience bleeding in their brains after receiving treatment. These findings suggest that bilirubin could play a role in the development of HT and sICH, although the exact mechanisms are still unclear. To learn more about this fascinating research, dive into the full article!
BackgroundBilirubin has both antioxidative and prooxidative properties. The study aimed to explore the relationship between serum bilirubin and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke.MethodsThe patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase were retrospectively analyzed. HT was defined as new intracerebral hemorrhage in follow-up computed tomography images within 24–36 h after thrombolysis. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was defined as HT accompanied by worsening neurological function. Multivariate logistic regression and spline regression models were performed to investigate the relationship between serum bilirubin levels and the risk of HT and sICH.ResultsAmong 557 included patients, 71 (12.7%) were diagnosed with HT and 28 (5.0%) developed sICH. Patients with HT had significant higher baseline serum total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin levels than those without HT. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that patients with higher serum bilirubin levels, including total bilirubin (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.08, p = 0.006), direct bilirubin (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05–1.31, p = 0.004), and indirect bilirubin (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.02–1.10, p = 0.005) had increased risk of HT. Furthermore, multiple-adjusted spline regression models excluded nonlinear association between serum bilirubin levels and HT (p > 0.05 for nonlinearity). Similar results were present between serum bilirubin and sICH.ConclusionThe data showed the positively linearly relationship between serum bilirubin levels and the risk of HT and sICH in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing intravenous thrombolysis.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
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