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Original Research | Medicine | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 873 - 877 | India
Correlation Between Plasma D-Dimer Levels, Stroke Severity, and TOAST Classification in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Abstract: Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. D-dimer, a marker of fibrin degradation, reflects thrombotic activity and may correlate with stroke severity and etiology. Objective: To assess the association of plasma D-dimer levels with stroke severity and etiological subtypes (TOAST classification) in AIS. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 80 adults with imaging-confirmed AIS (March 2023?February 2025). Patients with conditions affecting coagulation were excluded. Stroke severity was assessed using NIHSS. Plasma D-dimer levels were measured within 72 hours. Etiology was classified by TOAST criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Mean age was 60.76±12.87 years. Large artery atherosclerosis was most common (72.5%), followed by cardioembolism (18.8%) and small vessel occlusion (8.8%). All patients had elevated D-dimer (mean 1.91±1.01 μg/mL). Levels were highest in cardioembolic stroke (3.64±0.72 μg/mL; p<0.001). A significant positive correlation existed between D-dimer and NIHSS (r=0.448, p<0.001). Elevated levels were also associated with poor outcomes (p=0.034). Conclusion: Plasma D-dimer correlates with stroke severity, etiology, and outcomes, supporting its role as a cost-effective biomarker for early risk stratification in AIS.
Keywords: Acute ischemic stroke, D-dimer, NIHSS, TOAST classification, stroke severity
How to Cite?: Dr. Sushmasri Konidena, Dr. Muddarangappa R, Dr. Vineetha K. V, "Correlation Between Plasma D-Dimer Levels, Stroke Severity, and TOAST Classification in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Analysis", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 873-877, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26515131926, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26515131926