FXIII gene Val34Leu polymorphism in Turkish children with cerebral infarct.

A common polymorphism of the FXIIIA gene, which is characterized by a Val --> Leu exchange at amino acid position 34 (FXIII Val34Leu), was studied in this case-control study. The authors sought to determine whether there was an association between this polymorphism and pediatric stroke. The case-control study included 116 patients with cerebral infarct who were younger than 18 years. All were clinically diagnosed, and the infarction was verified with cranial imaging of the brain. The data revealed that the FXIII gene Val34Leu polymorphism was not associated independently with pediatric stroke in the population and that it does not have any effect in PT 20210A carriers. However, although the difference was not significant, the risk of thrombosis decreased 2-fold to the protective side in patients carrying FV1691A. This may be an important clue and needs further study in FV1691A carriers with and without thrombosis.