Thrombogenicity in patients with ischemic stroke and pre-existing polycythemia vera

Thrombogenicity and its causes in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) and pre-existing polycythemia vera (PV) is a significant clinical concern. The aim of this study was to identify the range of factors associated with increased thrombogenicity in patients with IS and pre-existing PV. We performed a physical examination and laboratory tests on 127 patients in the hyperacute stroke stage and 16-18 months after. Of them, 68 patients had PV (the main group) and 59 did not have this condition (the comparison group). Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate blood rheology, hemostasis, endothelial function, angiogenesis, proinflammatory cytokine levels; we also tested patients for the presence of the V617F mutation in the JAK2 gene and analyzed the contribution of all studied parameters to the development of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. We found that the neurological picture did not differ between the groups: mean NIHSS scores were 12 and 13 points, respectively. Morphological and functional characteristics of red blood cells and platelets, hemostasis and cytokine profiles were compared between patients with IS and pre-existing PV and the comparison group. One of the key elements in potentiating thrombotic complications in patients with IS and PV was JAK2 V617F allele burden. The obtained data suggest the cumulative effect of the identified factors promoting thrombus formation in post-stroke patients with PV and overpowering the effect of antiplatelet therapy.