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Ischemic stroke functional outcomes are independently associated with C-reactive protein concentrations and cognitive

Adomas Bunevicius1, Henrikas Kazlauskas, Nijole Raskauskiene

  • 1Behavioral Medicine Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Vyduno al. 4, 00135, Palanga, Lithuania, a.bunevicius@yahoo.com.

Endocrine
|April 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

High C-reactive protein (CRP) and low triiodothyronine (T3) predict poor stroke outcomes. This study found CRP independently predicts worse functional outcomes, while low T3 predicts worse cognitive outcomes after ischemic stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Endocrinology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and decreased triiodothyronine (T3) are linked to poor stroke prognosis.
  • The combined prognostic value of CRP and T3 in stroke is not well understood, despite their known interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between thyroid hormone and CRP levels and immediate outcomes in ischemic stroke patients.
  • To determine if CRP and T3 concentrations independently predict functional and cognitive outcomes post-stroke.

Main Methods:

  • Eighty-eight ischemic stroke patients were assessed on admission for stroke severity (Scandinavian Stroke Scale), thyroid hormones (TSH, free T4, free T3), and CRP.
  • Functional (modified Rankin Scale) and cognitive (Mini-Mental State Examination) outcomes were evaluated at discharge.

Main Results:

  • Higher CRP concentrations correlated with greater stroke severity.
  • Univariate analysis showed lower free T3 and higher CRP were associated with poor functional and cognitive outcomes.
  • After adjusting for stroke severity, higher CRP independently predicted worse functional outcomes (β=0.18, p=0.04), and lower free T3 predicted worse cognitive outcomes (β=0.23, p=0.03).

Conclusions:

  • Stroke severity is associated with elevated CRP.
  • CRP and free T3 are independent predictors of functional and cognitive outcomes, respectively, in acute ischemic stroke patients.
  • T3 and CRP may serve as valuable biomarkers for assessing stroke patient prognosis.

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