Association between 4G/5G polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 gene with stroke or encephalopathy after cardiac surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate whether the 4G/5G polymorphism of the plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 gene increases the risk of thromboembolic neurological complications, and, if so, whether these complications lengthen the period of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay.


METHODS
Prospective, case-control study in a 14 bed surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital.


METHODS
260 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and 111 controls.


METHODS
DNA was isolated and 4G/5G polymorphism was typed using RFLP methodology.


RESULTS
Genetic analysis revealed 4G/5G in 131 patients (50.4%), 5G/5G genotype in 82 (31.5%), and 4G/4G in only 47 (18.1%). Prevalence of neurological complications was 20.8% (n=54) (stroke 5.4%, n=14; encephalopathy 15.4%, n=40]. A trend towards higher risk of developing stroke (8.5% vs. 4.7%, RR 1.9) and a significant twofold increase in encephalopathy (27.7% vs. 12.7%; RR 2.6) was documented in 4G/4G carriers. Multivariate analysis showed that development of stroke or encephalopathy was independently associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation (OR 20), and that neurological complication (OR 2.4) and 4G/4G genotype (OR 2.6) were independently associated with hospital stay of 2 weeks or longer.


CONCLUSIONS
The 4G/4G genotype can increase the risk of thromboembolic neurological complications after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary by-pass. The neurological complications result in longer time on ventilator and longer hospital stay.
Sirgo
Gonzalo
G
Intensive Care Department, Joan XXIII University Hospital, University Rovira i Virgili, Institut Pere Virgili, Mallafre Guasch N 4, 43007, Tarragona, Spain. gsirgoluanco@yahoo.es
Pérez-Vela
José Luis
JL
Morales
Pablo
P
Del Rey
Manuel
M
Vendrell
Joan
J
Gutierrez
Cristina
C
Rello
Jordi
J
D000368:Aged; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D017395:Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D013903:Thoracic Surgery
D017395:Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1