Association between APOE Gene ɛ Polymorphism and Ischemic Stroke in Children

Abstract

Balcerzyk et al. observed that there were no significant differences in APOE genotype and allele distribution between patients and control subjects [ [1] Balcerzyk A. Żak I. Niemiec P. Kopyta I. Emich-Widera E. Iwanicki T. APOE gene ɛ polymorphism does not determine predisposition to ischemic stroke in children. Pediatr Neurol. 2010; 43 (25-8) Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar ]. Although there is a discrepancy between clinical correlation and applying pathological principles, this study has important potential limitations. APOE Gene ε Polymorphism Does Not Determine Predisposition to Ischemic Stroke in ChildrenPediatric NeurologyVol. 43Issue 1PreviewIschemic stroke in children is relatively rare, but it remains an important medical problem. Previous studies on Polish children have implicated dyslipidemias as significant risk factors in stroke. To search for genetic factors associated with the disease, the possible association between apolipoprotein E gene ε polymorphism and childhood stroke was evaluated. The study population consisted of 243 individuals: 72 children with ischemic stroke and 100 of their biological parents and 71 children without any symptoms of stroke. Full-Text PDF ResponsePediatric NeurologyVol. 44Issue 1PreviewOur study was carried out in various centers of neuropediatrics in Poland to recruit sufficient number of patients because pediatric ischemic stroke is rare. Thus we find the multicenter character of our study to be a strength, not a weakness. The diagnostic standards concerning children with stroke are homogenous in Poland, and the ethnicity of the patients is homogenous too. All the patients were enrolled onto the study while they were in the so-called acute phase of the disease—that is, the first 3 weeks from onset of stroke. Full-Text PDF