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.

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