A multicenter study found that infections within the week before a stroke were linked to a 2.6-fold higher risk of cryptogenic ischemic stroke in adults aged 18-49. The analysis included 537 matched pairs of patients and controls.
Biomarkers like von Willebrand Factor and Factor VIII were higher in patients with recent infections, indicating a possible thromboinflammatory response. These changes were not seen in controls and faded after three months.
The findings suggest recent infections may act as a short-term trigger for stroke in young adults, highlighting potential markers for future research.