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Association between cholesterol levels and infections after ischemic stroke.
F Mazzacane1, E Leuci1, A Persico1
1U.C. Malattie Cerebrovascolari e Stroke Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Mondino, Pavia, Italy.
European Journal of Neurology
|May 28, 2020
Summary
Higher cholesterol levels are linked to a reduced risk of infectious complications in patients recovering from acute ischemic stroke. This finding suggests cholesterol may play a protective role in post-stroke infections.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Cholesterol's immunomodulatory functions are increasingly recognized.
- The relationship between cholesterol levels and infectious complications (ICs) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if cholesterol levels are associated with the risk of developing infectious complications in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 603 AIS patients.
- Measurement of total cholesterol (TOTc), LDL-C, and HDL-C within 24 hours of admission.
- Analysis of IC occurrence during hospitalization using multivariable logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Patients who developed ICs had significantly lower TOTc levels (157 mg/dL) compared to those without ICs (173 mg/dL).
- A linear decrease in IC prevalence was observed with increasing TOTc quartiles (Q1: 32.7% to Q4: 13.3%).
- Higher levels of TOTc, LDL-C, and HDL-C were independently associated with a lower risk of ICs, independent of statin use.
Conclusions:
- Elevated cholesterol levels are independently associated with a reduced risk of infectious complications in acute ischemic stroke patients.
- These findings suggest a potential protective role for cholesterol in post-stroke infections.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms.
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