High level of D-dimer predicts ischemic stroke in patients with infective endocarditis

Abstract

Background: Ischemic stroke is one of the most prominent and serious neurological complications of infective endocarditis (IE). Our study was designed to evaluate the predictive value of higher level of plasma D-dimer on admission for the development of ischemic stroke in patients with IE. Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 173 consecutive patients with IE were recruited from January 2016 to December 2018. Plasma D-dimer and other clinical indexes of IE patients were measured after admission. The number of patients who developed ischemic stroke during 6-month follow-up was recorded, as well as the occurrence time of ischemic stroke. Results: Ischemic stroke was observed in 38 (22%) patients during 6-month follow-up since definite diagnosis of IE. Patients with ischemic stroke had significantly higher levels of plasma D-dimer than those of patients without stroke (4982 vs 2205 μg/L, P