Multiple Cardiac Biomarkers and Long-Term Neurological Deficits Trajectory After Ischemic Stroke

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Neurological function changes dynamically after ischemic stroke, with unclear underlying mechanisms.
• Cardiac pathologies via the heart-brain axis may influence neurological decline post-stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate associations between cardiac biomarkers and long-term neurological deficit (ND) trajectories after ischemic stroke.
• Determine the predictive value of NT-proBNP, sST2, and GDF-15 for stroke recovery outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke.
• Measured circulating NT-proBNP, sST2, and GDF-15 concentrations.
• Applied group-based trajectory modeling to identify ND trajectories using NIH Stroke Scale scores over 24 months.

Main Results:

• Identified three ND trajectories: mild, moderate, and persistent-severe.
• Highest tertiles of NT-proBNP, sST2, and GDF-15 were associated with higher odds of persistent-severe ND.
• Elevated biomarkers improved risk stratification for persistent-severe stroke, showing significant incremental value.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac biomarkers are significantly associated with long-term moderate and persistent-severe neurological deficit trajectories post-ischemic stroke.
• These biomarkers offer valuable insights for predicting stroke recovery and refining risk assessment.