Anti-phospholipid antibodies and osteopontin in young adults with cerebrovascular stroke

To estimate the frequency of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) in young adults with cerebrovascular events (CVE), assess whether aPLA-positive individuals have a higher risk of ischemic stroke than aPLA-negative individuals, and evaluate the correlation between osteopontin (OPN) levels, aPLA, and cerebrovascular stroke (CVS). This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 72 patients aged less than 50 years, of both sexes, with cerebrovascular events (CVE) (Group I) and 40 apparently healthy individuals as controls (Group II). There was a significant correlation between the level of osteopontin (OPN) and anticardiolipin immunoglobulin G (ACL IgG) (P= 0.012). OPN, baseline ACL IgM, ACL IgG, lupus anticoagulant (LA1), LA1/LA2 ratio, and anti-β2 glycoprotein (GPI) IgG were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P<0.05). ROC curves for diagnosis of CVS in young adults by OPN, at a cut off ≥ 45, sensitivity 72.2%, specificity 68.7% and P<0.001. The study documented the increased incidence of APS as an etiology of CVE in young adults. Osteopontin markers might be sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of CVE in young adults. Early screening for APS and osteopontin levels in young adults presenting with CVE may enable earlier diagnosis, targeted treatment, and potentially improved prevention of recurrent strokes.