Infections and Chlamydia pneumoniae antibodies influence the functional outcome in thrombolysed strokes

Thrombolysis is effective in ischemic stroke patients, but some factors influence its benefit. Previous infections could increase the risk of ischemic stroke by an activation of systemic inflammation. We analysed the influence of previous infections and Chlamydia pneumoniae serology on functional outcome in thrombolysed stroke patients.

Consecutive thrombolysed stroke patients admitted during calendar year 2011 were analysed. Demographics, vascular risk factors, clinical and aetiological data were registered. Standardised blood tests were collected acutely for each patient, including inflammatory factors. Primary outcome was the functional outcome at 6months follow-up. t-test, Mann-Withney U test and chi-square test were applied for univariate analysis, while a logistic regression was performed for multivariate analysis.

A total of 142 patients were included in the analysis. Median onset-to-needle time was 156min. A previous infection occurred in 16.9% of patients, while a positive IgA antiChlamydia was detected in 40 cases. Good functional outcome was achieved by 72.5% of patients. At multivariate analysis poor outcome was associated to clinical severity, delay treatment time, haemorrhagic transformation and large artery etiological stroke type (p<0.01). Also IgA antiChlamydia pneumonia seropositivity (OR: 3.699; 95%CI: 1.094-12.512; p: 0.035) and poststroke infections (OR: 6.031; 95%CI: 2.485-11.301; p: 0.037) were predictors of poor outcome.

In this study IgA antiChlamydia pneumonia seropositivity represents a negative predictor of functional outcome in thrombolysed stroke patients. Further and larger studies are required to confirm these observations and to plan a prompt administration of antibiotics or immunomodulant agents.