Work

Fatty Acid Ratios Versus Conventional Risk Factors in Stroke: Insights into Severe Disability and Mortality Outcomes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of fatty acid ratios, specifically DHA/ARA and EPA/ARA, in predicting severe disability and mortality in stroke patients and compare these ratios with conventional risk factors such as age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Methods: A prospective study was conducted involving 298 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients (within 72 h of onset). Fatty acid ratios were measured from plasma, and all patients’ evolution was followed through hospitalization. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of severe disability at discharge (Rankin 4–6) and in-hospital mortality, including fatty acid ratios and conventional risk factors. Results: A higher DHA/ARA ratio was associated with a reduced chance of severe disability (OR = 0.81), while a higher EPA/ARA ratio was associated with an increased chance of severe disability (OR = 1.70). Age was a significant factor, with older age (median 70 years) associated with a lower survivability chance (OR = 0.93) and a higher likelihood of severe disability when surviving. Fatty acid ratios did not significantly affect mortality outcomes. For male patients, EPA/AA ratios showed a powerful association with severe disability (p = 0.045), while no significant effect of fatty acids was observed in females. Conclusions: Fatty acids were significant predictors of severe disability in patients with acute ischemic stroke, independent of conventional risk factors, but without having any effect on in-hospital mortality. Age remained the only significant conventional risk factor predictor of outcome. Integrating fatty acid ratios alongside conventional risk factors may improve predictions of severe post-stroke disability, potentially guiding more personalized interventions for stroke patients.

Source: Nutrients

DOI: 10.3390/nu17091518

Authors: Sebastian Andone, Farczádi Lénárd, Silvia Imre, Mihai Dumitreasa, Rodica Bălașa

Institutions: Universitatea de Medicină, Farmacie, Științe și Tehnologie „George Emil Palade” din Târgu Mureș, Spitalul Clinic Judetean de Urgenta Târgu Mureş

Language: English

Topic: Fatty Acid Research and Health

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499