C-Reactive Protein, Interleukin-6, and Vascular Recurrence After Stroke: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Conflicting findings exist regarding blood inflammatory markers and vascular recurrence post-stroke.
• This uncertainty impacts the use of anti-inflammatory therapies and marker measurement in stroke management.

Approach:

• The study analyzed individual participant data from 10 prospective studies, involving 8420 patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.
• Multivariable regression and random-effects meta-analysis were used to assess the association between hsCRP, IL-6, and recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and stroke.

Key Points:

• Elevated hsCRP and IL-6 levels were independently associated with increased risk of MACE and recurrent stroke after ischemic stroke.
• Higher levels of IL-6 and hsCRP were linked to a greater likelihood of recurrent cardiovascular events and stroke.

Conclusions:

• Blood inflammatory markers are independently associated with vascular recurrence following stroke.
• These findings provide a rationale for clinical trials investigating anti-inflammatory treatments for secondary stroke prevention.