Is urinary infection a risk factor for ischemic cerebrovascular disease?

Abstract

The hypothesis is put forward that urinary infection is a risk factor for ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD). Bacteriuria exceding 10 5 units/ml actiually occurred in 68% of the patients with ICVD while a similar number of bacteria was detected only in 12% of the age-matched control subjects. An increased concentration of circulating immune complexes was found in infected patients but the investigated hemostatic variables (plasma fibrinogen and factor VIII related antigen, platelet count and adhesivenes as well as dilute blood clot lysis time) did not significantly differ from patients with ICVD but no urinary infection. Although circulating immune complexes are able to cause endothelial lesions, further investigations on the hemostatic balance are required in order to substantiate the above mentioned hypothesis.