Gene variants linked to stroke

DURHAM, N.C., Aug 25, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- North Carolina researchers say patients with two specific gene variants are more than three times as likely as others to suffer a stroke after heart surgery.

The two implicated genes are involved in the body's immune response. The findings strongly suggest inflammation plays an important role in post-operative stroke.

Duke University Medical Center researchers say if the findings are confirmed by more extensive studies, they could become part of a battery of genetic tests to better identify the risk to patients of stroke after surgery.

"Despite all our advances in improving outcomes after cardiac surgery over the decades, stroke remains a significant and debilitating complication," said Duke cardiothoracic anesthesiologist Dr. Hilary Grocott.

"As the population of patients getting cardiac surgery continues to age, it is important for us to better understand all the factors that impact mortality and the quality of life for these patients."

The study was published online in the journal Stroke.