Cirrhosis May Raise Risk of Hemorrhagic Stroke

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Neal S. Parikh, M.D.
Administrative Chief Resident
Department of Neurology
Weill Cornell Medicine & NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: In contrast to the gastrointestinal and systemic hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications of cirrhosis, little was known about the risk of cerebrovascular complications.

In this analysis of Medicare beneficiaries’ claims data, we found cirrhosis to be associated with stroke, with associations appearing to be stronger for hemorrhagic stroke than for ischemic stroke. We controlled for demographic variables and stroke risk factors and relevant comorbidities, and our results were essentially unchanged in multiple sensitivity analyses.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Our data challenge the prevailing notion that cirrhosis is protective against stroke. Elderly patients with cirrhosis appear to face an increased risk of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Prospective confirmation, or confirmation of our findings otherwise in other cohorts, is desirable.

Disclosures: Funding for the study is disclosed in the publication.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Abstract WMP60: Association Between Liver Cirrhosis and Stroke in a Nationally Representative Cohort
Neal S Parikh, Babak B Navi, Yecheskel Schneider, Hooman Kamel
Stroke. 2017;48:AWMP60
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

More Medical Research Interviews on MedicalResearch.com

[wysija_form id=”5″]

Last Updated on June 6, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD

Tags:
,