Stroke in young Fabry patients
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in Europe and a leading cause of acquired disability in adults. Each year, about 1,250,000 people experience stroke in Europe. Stroke is the second leading cause of dementia in western countries and the second leading cause of mortality worldwide (Murray et al., 1997). Current projections indicate a 52 % increase in cerebrovascular mortality by the year 2020 with over two thirds of cases occurring in the developing world.
Recent publications (Lancet 2005; 366: 1794-96) show that Fabry disease must be considered as possible cause for all cases of unexplained stroke in young patients, especially in cases with the combination of infarction in the vertebrobasilar artery system and proteinuria.
46 international neurological centres are joining a multicenter study lead by the University of Rostock. The goal of sifap (Stroke In young Fabry Patients) is to clarify the prevalence of Fabry disease in young stroke patients, and to characterize stroke rehabilitation in young patients with Fabry disease.
State of recruitment
