Pathophysiology of Perinatal Stroke
Stroke before and at birth, or perinatal stroke, is a common cause of neurological
disability in children. Why these strokes happen is not well understood. In fact,
most children with perinatal stroke are otherwise healthy and the pregnancy and
delivery are also normal. It is important to learn why perinatal strokes happen so that treatment or
prevention strategies can be developed.
What is the purpose of the study?
 To better understand the causes of perinatal stroke.
What are the research questions?
 What clinical factors (child and maternal health) are associated with perinatal stroke?
 Are disorders of the placenta and inflammation associated with perinatal stroke?
 What role do blood clotting disorders play in causing perinatal stroke?
How is the study designed?
 A large group of children with perinatal stroke will be compared to healthy controls.
This design is the best way to discover factors unique to children with stroke.
 Clinical factors will be evaluated by reviewing medical records and interviewing parents.
 Placental and inflammatory factors from newborn blood will be tested using new technology.
 Testing of the blood clotting system will be performed on all children.
Why is this study important?
 A cause for perinatal strokes cannot currently be determined in most cases.
 Understanding the cause(s) is needed for both educating families and developing methods for
prevention.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Adam Kirton (University of Calgary)
Institution: Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary
Co-investigators:
Dr. Aru Narendran, Dr. Kamran Yusuf, Dr. Albert Nettel-Aguirre, Dr. Michael Hill (University of Calgary)
Dr. Patricia Massicotte, Dr. Jerome Yager, Dr. John Andersen (University of Alberta)
Dr. Gabrielle deVeber (SickKids, University of Toronto)
Dr. Michael Shevell (McGill University)
Collaborators:
Dr. Michael Leaker, Dr. Francois Bernier, Dr. Xing-Chang Wei, Dr. Jean Mah, Dr. Brent Hagel (University of Calgary)
Dr. Fiona Bamforth, Dr. Christian Beaulieu (University of Alberta)
For further information about perinatal stroke: http://wcmprod4.ucalgary.ca/cpsp/education