C-reactive protein and outcome after ischemic stroke.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cardiology
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is linked to ischemic cardiac events.
• Inflammation may destabilize cardiovascular disease.
• The role of CRP in acute ischemic stroke outcomes requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and patient outcomes following acute ischemic stroke.
• To determine if CRP levels predict mortality after ischemic stroke.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study in a University Hospital Acute Stroke Unit.
• Survival time and cause of death analyzed for up to 4 years post-stroke.
• Cox proportional hazards regression used to relate CRP concentration (within 72 hours) to mortality, considering age and stroke severity.

Main Results:

• Higher CRP concentration (>10.1 mg/L) was significantly associated with worse survival (P=0.00009).
• CRP level independently predicted mortality (HR 1.23 per log unit; P=0.02), alongside age and stroke severity.
• Cardiovascular disease was the primary cause of death in both high and low CRP groups.

Conclusions:

• C-reactive protein concentration is an independent predictor of survival after ischemic stroke.
• Findings support a role for inflammation in acute ischemic stroke.
• Elevated CRP may predict future cardiovascular mortality.