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Serum β2-Microglobulin and Stroke Risk and Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Divyam Goyal1, Sulena Sulena2, Suman Thakur3
1Department of General Medicine, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India.
Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Serum beta-2-microglobulin (β2M) shows consistent links to adverse stroke outcomes, but more research is needed. This systematic review highlights β2M as a potential biomarker for stroke risk and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomarkers
- Systematic Reviews
Background:
- Serum beta-2-microglobulin (β2M) is linked to immune activation, kidney dysfunction, and neuroinflammation.
- Its role in stroke risk and outcomes requires systematic synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate associations between serum β2M and stroke incidence.
- To assess β2M's link to mortality, functional outcome, recurrence, and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
- Inclusion of observational studies with multivariable-adjusted associations.
- Narrative synthesis prioritized due to heterogeneity; exploratory quantitative pooling where feasible.
Main Results:
- Fifteen studies (n=13,180) with moderate to high methodological quality were included.
- Elevated β2M showed consistent associations with adverse stroke outcomes.
- Limited evidence for stroke incidence; exploratory pooling showed non-significant association (OR 2.29).
Conclusions:
- Serum β2M demonstrates consistent associations with stroke risk and outcomes.
- Current evidence is limited, heterogeneous, and potentially confounded by renal function.
- Further validation with standardized assays and renal function adjustment is necessary.