The Evaluation and Comparison of Oxidative Stress in Hemorrhagic and Ischemic Stroke

Background: Among different mechanisms, oxidative stress has a possible role in neural injury in cerebrovascular events. Objectives: Assessment the oxidants-antioxidants imbalance in ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Materials and Methods: Serum level of malondialdehyde, the main marker of lipid peroxidation, and total antioxidant capacity were measured in a group of 48 stroke patients consisting of 24 ischemic and 24 hemorrhagic cases with confirmed diagnosis by brain CT scan. Lesion volume and modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) in ischemic stroke, as well as location and volume of hematoma in hemorrhagic stroke based on the first brain CT scan were determined as study variables. Results: These two major groups did not have different oxidative profile. Low levels of total antioxidant capacity and high levels of malondialdehyde were associated with higher lesion volume in hemorrhagic stroke patients. Conclusions: This data suggested that oxidative stress is associated with lesion volume and therefore severity of hemorrhagic stroke.