Summary
The association between factor V Leiden (FVL) and prothrombin G20210A (PT 20210) mutations
and ischemic stroke remains controversial, particularly in young adults with cryptogenic
stroke. Prevalence of FVL (4.1%) and PT 20210 (8.2%) mutations was assessed in 49
patients under 50 years with cryptogenic stroke and compared with controls. Odd ratio
(OR) for cryptogenic stroke was 2.62 (95% CI, 0.49-13.95) for FVL and 3.75 (95% CI,
1.05-13.34) for PT 20210 and 3.28 (95% CI, 1,17-9.20) for some recognized genetic
thrombophilic defect. Moreover, the OR for cryptogenic stroke in young women using
oral contraceptives (OC) was 3.59 (95% CI, 1.28-10.5). When some genetic thrombophilic
defect was associated with OC, the OR was much higher (OR: 14.27; 95% CI, 0.66-309.99).
Our results suggest that in the Mediterranean populations the PT 20210 mutation, but
not FV Leiden, is a risk factor for cryptogenic stroke in young adults. OC use is
also a significant risk factor for cryptogenic stroke, which is increased in women
with some genetic thrombotic risk factor.
Keywords
Stroke - factor V Leiden - prothrombin G20210A mutation - cryptogenic stroke - oral
contraceptives