MMP9 and hematocrit: Overall, the clinical studies reveal that higher levels of MMP-9 are present in patients with acute ischemic stroke, compared with controls, and that this is a predictor for the development of hemorrhagic complications (both PH and HT), with MMP-9 levels correlating with larger infarct volume, increasing severity of stroke and poor functional outcome (Ramos-Fernandez et al., 2011).