It’s transforming stroke care.
A recent study suggests that a blood test measuring levels of a brain protein called glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) could help quickly identify patients with brain bleeds from strokes, potentially speeding up treatment. Researchers found that people with bleeding strokes had significantly higher levels of GFAP in their blood compared to those suffering from strokes caused by blood clots. By detecting this protein early, during emergency transport, doctors could initiate the appropriate treatment before the patient even reaches the hospital.
The research emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between these two types of strokes, as they require vastly different treatments. Clot-caused strokes are treated with clot-busting drugs or clot removal, while bleeding strokes require medication to counteract blood thinners and reduce blood pressure. Identifying the stroke type as soon as possible could minimize brain damage, as the sooner treatment begins, the less irreversible damage occurs.
Traditionally, imaging scans are used to differentiate between stroke types, but these can take time, potentially causing delays in treatment. The researchers hypothesized that measuring GFAP levels in the blood could offer a quicker diagnostic tool. The study involved 353 patients who had experienced stroke symptoms within six hours, with blood samples taken on their way to the hospital. Results showed that GFAP levels were significantly elevated in bleeding stroke patients, making it a reliable indicator for this type of stroke.
If further studies confirm these results, the GFAP test could dramatically change how stroke patients are treated. It could allow for early intervention even before patients arrive at the hospital, helping to reduce damage. Additionally, the test could be used to adjust treatments in real time, such as lowering blood pressure or reversing the effects of blood-thinning medications, potentially improving outcomes.
However, experts caution that the findings are still preliminary. The study had a small sample size, and the test is not yet widely available in ambulances or emergency medical settings. For this blood test to become a standard practice, more research is needed, and the infrastructure to make it accessible in the field must be developed.
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