Antiphospholipid antibodies and stroke: an epidemiological perspective.

Abstract

Antiphospholipid antibodies have been reported to occur in ischemic stroke patients. We review the major epidemiological study designs and measures of risk and discuss these concepts in relation to the assessment of antiphospholipid antibodies as a risk factor for ischemic stroke. While there have been few rigorously designed epidemiological studies, available data suggest that the stroke risk associated with antiphospholipid antibodies may be substantial, especially in young adults. Additional epidemiological studies are needed to establish the consistency of this relation. A well-designed clinical trial could answer important questions about the efficacy and safety of proposed treatments.