Recent findings reveal important connections between the levels of basophils—an often-overlooked type of immune cell—and the development of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (LEDVT) among patients suffering from spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Conducted at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, this study highlights how elevated basophil counts can serve as independent predictors for LEDVT within this clinical population.
Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is recognized as one of the most lethal forms of cerebrovascular disease, carrying high rates of morbidity and mortality. Within this challenging medical condition, patients often face various complications, including the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which encompasses both LEDVT and pulmonary embolism. Early identification of patients at heightened risk for LEDVT is pivotal, as it can lead to timely interventions and potentially improve patient outcomes.
This retrospective observational study included 315 non-surgical patients diagnosed with sICH between January 2021 and August 2023. Of these, 47 patients—approximately 14.92%—experienced LEDVT within 14 days following their initial hemorrhagic event. The patients, whose mean age was 60.7 years and included 63.8% male participants, exhibited varying types of LEDVT, predominantly distal, followed by proximal and mixed cases.
Upon analyzing peripheral blood samples collected within two hours of admission, the researchers utilized weighted multivariable logistic regression to explore the relationship between admission basophil levels and LEDVT. They discovered the optimal cutoff for elevated basophils was ≥ 100 /µL, classifying these patients as basophil-rich. Strikingly, biostatistical analyses indicated these patients were 2.7 times more likely to develop LEDVT compared to those with lower basophil counts.
One of the researchers mentioned, "Elevated basophils in the peripheral blood upon admission independently predict the occurrence of LEDVT in non-surgical sICH patients." This statement emphasizes the significance of their findings.
Faced with the pressing need for effective monitoring of sICH patients, especially those immobilized for extended periods, the study reiterates how identifying increased basophil levels can inform clinical protocols. The incorporation of basophil testing could facilitate the stratification of patients according to their risk for LEDVT and help refine preventative strategies.
Despite high levels of optimism about these findings, the study's limitations included its single-center and retrospective nature, which may influence the broader applicability of results. Researchers await future studies with larger cohorts to definitively establish causation between elevated basophil levels and LEDVT.
The research team concluded, "By far as we know, this is the first retrospective study focusing on the association between admission BCPB and LEDVT in patients with sICH," underlining its uniqueness and relevance within existing medical literature.
These findings provide compelling evidence pointing to the need for more attention to basophil levels upon admission for sICH, potentially enabling early interventions aimed at mitigating the risk for serious complications such as LEDVT.