Higher levels of coagulation factor XII can predict brain hemorrhage.

What is it about?

People who attended a health survey had their levels of coagulation factor XII measured. The persons who had higher levels of this protein more often experienced brain hemorrhage later in life. In the future, this knowledge may be used in the efforts of preventing brain hemorrhage.

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Why is it important?

Cerebral bleed (brain hemorrhage within the brain itself) is the most deadly form of stroke. Of those who experience a cerebral bleed, 40% die within a month and only 20% live an independent life six months after the event. Furthermore, the death rate in cerebral bleed has not decreased in the past 30 years and the possibilities of treating the condition are very limited. If we could prevent brain hemorrhage, lives would be spared. It might be possible to use analysis of coagulation factor XII in blood samples to identify people at high risk for brain hemorrhage. In the future, we might be able to offer these persons preventive measures to lower their risk of brain hemorrhage.