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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
06:01
A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
C-reactive protein in ischemic stroke and its etiologic subtypes
John W Eikelboom1, Graeme J Hankey, Ross I Baker
1Thrombosis and Hemophilia Unit, Department of Neurology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia. johneikelboom@health.wa.gov.au
Summary
Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are strongly linked to ischemic stroke risk and severity, particularly for strokes caused by large artery disease or heart embolism. These elevated CRP levels persist long-term, indicating its role in cerebral injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker whose role in ischemic stroke etiology and prognosis requires clarification.
- Investigating CRP's association with stroke subtypes, particularly atherogenic vs. inflammatory hypotheses, is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are elevated in ischemic stroke patients compared to controls.
- To assess if CRP levels remain persistently elevated in stroke survivors.
- To investigate if CRP levels correlate with specific stroke etiologic subtypes and severity.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 199 first-ever ischemic stroke patients and 202 community controls.
- Classification of stroke cases by etiologic subtype.
- Measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels within 7 days and 3-6 months post-stroke.
- Assessment of stroke severity using the Oxford Handicap Scale and Barthel Index.
Main Results:
- Blood CRP levels were significantly higher in stroke cases (8.50 mg/L) than controls (2.18 mg/L) and remained elevated at follow-up (3.35 mg/L).
- Higher CRP quartiles were strongly associated with increased ischemic stroke odds (OR up to 16.9).
- The strongest associations were observed for stroke subtypes due to large artery disease (OR 52.5) and cardioembolic events (OR 56.1), with significant correlations between CRP and stroke severity.
Conclusions:
- Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is a strong, independent predictor of ischemic stroke.
- Higher CRP levels are particularly associated with more severe strokes from large artery disease and cardioembolism.
- CRP serves as a marker for the extent of ischemic cerebral injury and its complications.
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