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C-reactive protein and aetiological subtypes of cerebral infarction

Alessandro Terruzzi1, Laura Valente, Roberto Mariani

  • 1Stroke Unit, Policlinico San Marco, Osio Sotto (Bergamo), Italy.

Neurological Sciences : Official Journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology
|September 24, 2008
PubMed

Insights

C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in acute cerebral infarction patients may indicate cardioembolic stroke or predict short-term mortality. This inflammation marker is crucial for understanding stroke aetiology and prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) is a peripheral inflammation marker often elevated in stroke patients.
  • Understanding the relationship between CRP and stroke characteristics is vital for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and the aetiology and prognosis of acute cerebral infarction.
  • To determine if CRP can serve as a predictive factor for short-term mortality in stroke patients.

Main Methods:

  • Included 648 patients with first-ever CT/MR-documented cerebral infarction.
  • Measured CRP levels within 6 hours of stroke onset and stratified into quartiles.
  • Assessed stroke aetiology using TOAST criteria and prognosis by 14-day mortality.

Main Results:

  • CRP levels were notably increased in cardioembolic strokes.
  • Logistic regression confirmed CRP as an independent predictor of 14-day mortality.
  • The study included a balanced cohort of 335 women and 313 men, with a mean age of 70.3 years.

Conclusions:

  • In acute cerebral infarction, elevated CRP may signify a cardioembolic source.
  • CRP is a potential predictive factor for short-term mortality following acute cerebral infarction.
Abstract

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