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Published on: November 8, 2017
Microalbuminuria: a potential prognostic marker for acute stroke
C Gumbinger1, M Sykora, J Diedler
1Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Ruprecht-Karls University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. christoph.gumbinger@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Introduction:
Stroke is potentially preventable through risk factor reduction. Over the past decade, the role of microalbuminuria (MA) as a risk factor for chronic diseases has become apparent. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of MA in acute stroke patients.
Materials And Methods:
Patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to our stroke unit were included in this study. Clinical history and vascular risk factors were recorded. Severity of stroke and outcome were assessed by NIHSS and modified Rankin scale (mRS) upon admission and discharge. Urinary albumin excretion was measured in 24-h urine samples. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate predictors of poor outcome.
Results:
MA was found in 43% of 138 patients and was associated with elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose at baseline, and HbA1c; higher rates of diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation; higher systolic blood pressure; greater age; and higher premorbid mRS, NIHSS upon admission/discharge, and mRS upon discharge. In a multivariate analysis, MA (OR 5.07, 95%CI 2.18-11.77; p = 0.004), premorbid mRS (OR 2.030, 95%CI 1.369-3.011; p = 0.0001), and NIHSS upon admission (OR 1.116, 95%CI 1.044-1.193; p = 0.001) were independent predictors of poor outcome upon discharge.
Conclusion:
MA was frequently found in acute ischemic stroke patients. It was associated with severe neurological deficit upon admission and severe functional impairment upon discharge. MA in the acute phase was shown to be an independent predictor of poor outcome. The association between MA and CRP levels points to potential linkage of MA to the inflammatory response in acute stroke.
Insights
Microalbuminuria (MA) is common in acute stroke patients and predicts poor outcomes. This finding highlights MA as a crucial factor for stroke prognosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Stroke is preventable by managing risk factors.
- Microalbuminuria (MA) is increasingly recognized as a chronic disease risk factor.
- The prognostic value of MA in acute stroke patients requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prognostic significance of microalbuminuria (MA) in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke.
- To identify predictors of poor outcomes in acute stroke patients.
Main Methods:
- Acute ischemic stroke patients were analyzed.
- Clinical history, vascular risk factors, stroke severity (NIHSS), and functional status (mRS) were recorded.
- 24-hour urinary albumin excretion was measured, and multivariate analysis identified outcome predictors.
Main Results:
- Microalbuminuria (MA) was present in 43% of patients and associated with diabetes, atrial fibrillation, higher blood pressure, and greater stroke severity.
- MA, premorbid mRS, and admission NIHSS independently predicted poor outcomes.
- MA was linked to elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and baseline glucose levels.
Conclusions:
- Microalbuminuria (MA) is prevalent in acute ischemic stroke and predicts poor functional outcomes.
- MA serves as an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in acute stroke.
- The association of MA with CRP suggests a potential role for inflammation in acute stroke prognosis.
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