CRP as a potential predictor of outcome in acute ischemic stroke

Association between thyroid hormone levels and early neurological deterioration in acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) prognosis is significantly influenced by early neurological deterioration (END). Emerging evidence suggests that thyroid function, particularly free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels and the FT3/FT4 ratio, may play a crucial role in END occurrence. This study aimed to investigate the association between thyroid function parameters and END.

METHODS

This study included a total of 1767 AIS patients. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to assess the associations between FT3, the FT3/FT4 ratio, and other thyroid function parameters with END. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the potential moderating effects of age, smoking status, and sex on these relationships. The predictive performance of the models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

The FT3 levels (3.66 vs. 4.03 pmol/L, P < 0.001) and the FT3/FT4 ratio (0.28 vs. 0.30, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the END group compared to the non-END group. Multivariable regression analysis identified a higher FT3/FT4 ratio as an independent protective factor against END (OR = 1.20, 95 % CI: 1.07-1.35, P = 0.0014). Subgroup analyses demonstrated that this protective effect was more pronounced inpatients older than 70 years, and non-smokers. Furthermore, the predictive model incorporating thyroid function parameters demonstrated certain predictive advantages over the CRP-based model (AUC = 0.688 vs. 0.624, P = 0.0036), suggesting its potential utility in predicting early neurological deterioration in AIS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower FT3 levels and a reduced FT3/FT4 ratio are significantly associated with a higher risk of END. The FT3/FT4 ratio may serve as a valuable biomarker for risk stratification in AIS patients, underscoring the potential role of thyroid function in stroke management.

Continuity of care and 5E nursing intervention improve neurological function, quality of life, and prognosis for acute ischemic stroke patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of continuous nursing combined with comprehensive 5E rehabilitation-based nursing intervention on neurological function, quality of life, and prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 117 AIS patients admitted to TaiHe County People's Hospital between January 2022 and March 2024. Patients receiving routine nursing care from January 2022 to March 2023 were assigned to the conventional care group (56 cases), while those receiving continuous nursing combined with comprehensive 5E rehabilitation-based nursing intervention from March 2023 to March 2024 were assigned to the integrated care group (61 cases). Pre- and post-intervention comparisons were made between the groups regarding neurological function, cognitive ability, physical capability, coagulation status, activities of daily living, quality of life, nursing satisfaction, and prognosis. Additionally, risk factors for poor prognosis in AIS patients were analyzed based on their outcomes.

RESULTS

Prior to intervention, there were no significant differences in neurological function, cognitive function, physical function, coagulation status, daily living ability, or quality of life scores between the two groups (all P>0.05). After intervention, the integrated care group showed significantly better outcomes in neurological function, cognitive function, physical function, coagulation status, daily living ability, quality of life, nursing satisfaction, and prognosis compared to the conventional care group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified older age, high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, elevated serum C-reactive protein and homocysteine levels, and reduced vascular endothelial growth factor levels as risk factors for poor prognosis in AIS patients (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The integration of continuity of care with comprehensive nursing intervention based on the 5E rehabilitation framework effectively addresses the rehabilitation needs of AIS patients, significantly improving neurological function, quality of life, and prognosis.

Effect of Low-Frequency Magnetic Field Stimulation on Physical Performance and Inflammation in Post-Stroke Patients: A Feasibility and Safety Study

Background: Strokes are a major public health concern, responsible for high mortality and long-term disability rates. Rehabilitation techniques aim to harness neuroplasticity—brain self-repair mechanisms that restore lost functions. Beyond traditional methods, therapies like Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) and Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields (ELF-MFs) show promise in enhancing neuroplasticity. This pilot study explored the feasibility and safety of ELF-MFs in stroke rehabilitation. Methods: The study involved 44 patients randomized into three groups: magnetotherapy applied to the head (MT1), pelvis (MT2), or standard rehabilitation (control). Assessments included functional measures (FIM, Barthel Index, Tinetti Scale, SPPB, and Berg Balance Scale) and inflammatory markers (CRP, PCT). Results: All groups showed functional improvement, with CRP and PCT reductions highlighting potential benefits of ELF-MFs. No adverse effects or changes in blood or organ function were observed. Conclusions: ELF-MFs could be safely conducted in this group allowing for further research to confirm their efficacy in larger studies.

Can high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) be used as a prognostic marker of functional disability after acute ischaemic stroke? A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care centre in Eastern India

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted with the aim of assessing the correlation between highly sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels and indicators of disability and functional impairment in individuals presenting with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Department of General Medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, Eastern India from August 2022 to August 2023.

PARTICIPANTS

The study population comprised a total of 125 patients aged 18 years or more, presenting within 48 hours of symptom onset or time last known well and having confirmed ischaemic stroke through CT or MRI of the brain. Individuals with a history of prior stroke, other neurological disorders, active infections, known coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease and abnormal blood cell counts were excluded.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Modified Rankin scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI) scores on day 2 and day 5 were the primary outcome measures.

RESULTS

The hsCRP levels on day 2 and day 5 were significantly positively correlated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores with Spearman's rho 0.303 (p=0.001) and 0.386 (p<0.001), respectively. The hsCRP on day 2 exhibited a significant association with mRS scores (p=0.04), indicating disability, but this significance was not sustained on day 5 (p=0.125). A negative correlation was observed between hsCRP and BI scores on both day 2 (Spearman's rho=-0.265, p=0.003) and day 5 (Spearman's rho=-0.297, p=0.002). While the hsCRP levels on day 2 did not differ significantly between fatal and non-fatal cases (p=0.110), the hsCRP levels on day 5 were significantly higher in fatal cases (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the potential utility of hsCRP as a prognostic indicator in patients with AIS. Elevated hsCRP levels correlated with increased stroke severity and functional disability. Regular assessments of hsCRP in the early phase of AIS could contribute to predicting prognosis and guiding optimal patient management.

Analysis of risk factors for pulmonary infection in acute ischemic stroke patients following intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase

OBJECTIVE

To identify the risk factors for pulmonary infection in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis using alteplase.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 110 acute ischemic stroke patients who received intravenous alteplase thrombolysis between January 2019 and November 2022. The patients were categorized into a pulmonary infection group (40 cases) and a non-infection group (70 cases).

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following independent risk factors for pulmonary infection: age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, underlying lung disease, hypertension, mechanical ventilation, aspiration, confusion, and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (all P<0.05). The sensitivity and specificity of CRP ifor predicting pulmonary infection were 88.57% and 75.00%, respectively. The NIHSS score demonstrated a sensitivity of 87.14% and a specificity of 70.00%. Further stratification of patients into a good prognosis group (75 cases) and a poor prognosis group (35 cases) revealed that high NIHSS scores at admission, increased fibrinogen (FIB) levels, a thrombolysis window exceeding 3 hours, and concurrent pulmonary infection were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. The area under the ROC curve for NIHSS in predicting prognosis was 0.890, and for FIB, it was 0.854 (P<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of NIHSS for predicting poor prognosis were 89.33% and 82.86%, respectively, while for FIB, they were 84.00% and 82.86%.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that factors such as age, NIHSS score, underlying lung disease, hypertension, and elevated CRP levels significantly contribute to the risk of pulmonary infection in acute ischemic stroke patients. Clinicians should closely monitor these values to manage the risk of pulmonary infection effectively.

Dementia after Ischemic Stroke, from Molecular Biomarkers to Therapeutic Options

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide. While much of post-stroke recovery is focused on physical rehabilitation, post-stroke dementia (PSD) is also a significant contributor to poor functional outcomes. Predictive tools to identify stroke survivors at risk for the development of PSD are limited to brief screening cognitive tests. Emerging biochemical, genetic, and neuroimaging biomarkers are being investigated in an effort to unveil better indicators of PSD. Additionally, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, NMDA receptor antagonists, dopamine receptor agonists, antidepressants, and cognitive rehabilitation are current therapeutic options for PSD. Focusing on the chronic sequelae of stroke that impair neuroplasticity highlights the need for continued investigative trials to better assess functional outcomes in treatments targeted for PSD.

Chronic Kidney Disease Increases Mortality and Reduces the Chance of a Favorable Outcome in Stroke Patients Treated with Mechanical Thrombectomy-Single-Center Study

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is identified as a risk factor for the occurrence of ischemic stroke. There is substantial evidence that CKD is linked to a worse prognosis and higher mortality rates in stroke patients. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics and factors affecting favorable outcomes and mortality in patients treated using mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for ischemic stroke, with particular emphasis on patients suffering from CKD. Methods: The retrospective study included an analysis of data from 723 patients (139; 19.4% had CKD) with ischemic stroke treated with MT between March 2019 and July 2022. Results: Patients with CKD were significantly older (median age 76.5 vs. 65.65, p < 0.001) and more often female (59.7% vs. 42.6%, p < 0.001). CKD decreased the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome (0-2 points in modified Rankin scale; OR: 0.56, CI95%: 0.38-0.81) and increased mortality (OR: 2.59, CI95%: 1.74-3.84) on the 90th day after stroke. In addition, CKD was associated with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients who underwent posterior circulation MT (13.85% vs. 50%, p = 0.022). In patients with CKD, inter alia, higher levels of C-reactive protein (OR: 0.94, CI95%: 0.92-0.99) reduced the chance of a favorable outcome. In addition, the occurrence of ICH in patients with CKD increased mortality on the 90th day after stroke (OR: 4.18, CI95%: 1.56-11.21), which was almost twice as high as in patients without CKD (OR: 2.29, CI95%: 1.54-3.40). Conclusions: Patients suffering from CKD had a lower probability of achieving a favorable outcome and had increased mortality following MT for ischemic stroke. It is crucial to understand the variations between patients with unimpaired and impaired renal function, as this could aid in predicting the outcomes of this method.

Body fluids biomarkers associated with prognosis of acute ischemic stroke: progress and prospects

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is one of the most common strokes posing a grave threat to human life and health. Predicting the prognosis of AIS allows for an understanding of disease progress, and a better quality of life by making individualized treatment scheme. In this paper, we conducted a systematic search on PubMed, focusing on the relevant literature in the last 5 years. Summarizing the candidate prognostic biomarkers of AIS in body fluids such as blood, urine, saliva and cerebrospinal fluid is often of great significance for the management of acute ischemic stroke, which has the potential to facilitate early diagnosis, treatment, prevention and long-term outcome improvement.

Predictive Value of Neutrophil-to-Monocyte Ratio, Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio, C-Reactive Protein, Procalcitonin, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha for Neurological Complications in Mechanically Ventilated Neonates Born after 35 Weeks of Gestation

This prospective study investigated the association between elevated neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and the risk of developing neurological complications in mechanically ventilated neonates. The aim was to evaluate these biomarkers' predictive value for neurological complications. Within a one-year period from January to December 2022, this research encompassed neonates born at ≥35 weeks of gestational age who required mechanical ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from the first day of life. Biomarkers were measured within the first 24 h and at 72 h. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) values were calculated for each biomarker to establish the best cutoff values for predicting neurological complications. The final analysis included a total of 85 newborns, of which 26 developed neurological complications and 59 without such complications. Among the studied biomarkers, TNF-alpha at >12.8 pg/mL in the first 24 h demonstrated the highest predictive value for neurological complications, with a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 69%, and the highest AUC (0.574, p = 0.005). At 72 h, TNF-alpha levels greater than 14.3 pg/mL showed further increased predictive accuracy (sensitivity of 87%, specificity of 72%, AUC of 0.593, p < 0.001). The NMR also emerged as a significant predictor, with a cutoff value of >5.3 yielding a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 67% (AUC of 0.562, p = 0.029) at 24 h, and a cutoff of >6.1 showing a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 68% (AUC of 0.567, p = 0.025) at 72 h. Conversely, CRP and procalcitonin showed limited predictive value at both time points. This study identifies TNF-alpha and NMR as robust early predictors of neurological complications in mechanically ventilated neonates, underscoring their potential utility in guiding early intervention strategies. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating specific biomarker monitoring in the clinical management of at-risk neonates to mitigate the incidence of neurological complications.

Myocardial Perfusion Imaging and C-Reactive Protein in Myocardial Ischemia: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is an important mechanism in atherosclerosis and plaque formation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a common inflammatory biomarker associated with the risk of coronary heart disease. We investigated the relationship of CRP with findings from myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, 102 consecutive patients (mean age 71 years, 68% males) who underwent MPI (for diagnostic reasons or quantification of myocardial ischemia) and CRP determination (upper limit: 6 mg/L) within 1 month from MPI were included. The patients had no infection or recent acute coronary syndrome.

RESULTS

The median CRP level was 4 mg/L (2, 10) among the study population. Patients with raised CRP had higher summed stress score (SSS) (p = 0.006) and summed rest score (SRS) (p = 0.001) and higher risk for SSS > 3 (OR 9.25, 95% CI 2.03-42.13, p = 0.001) compared to those with low CRP. The association of SSS and SRS with CRP levels was more evident in patients over 70 years (p = 0.027 and p = 0.005, respectively). No significant difference in summed difference score was shown. The two groups had no difference in other risk factors (p > 0.05 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSION

a high level of CRP was associated with the presence and extent of stress-induced myocardial ischemia in MPI.

Association of admission plasma glucose level and cerebral computed tomographic perfusion deficit volumes

INTRODUCTION

Hyperglycemia in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is frequent and associated with worse outcome. Yet, strict glycemic control in AIS patients has failed to yield beneficial outcome. So far, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of admission hyperglycemia in AIS have remained not fully understood. We aimed to evaluate the yet equivocal association of hyperglycemia with computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) deficit volumes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We included 832 consecutive AIS and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients who underwent CTP as a part of screening for recanalization treatment (stroke code) between 3/2018 and 10/2020, from the prospective cohort of Helsinki Stroke Quality Registry. Associations of admission glucose level (AGL) and CTP deficit volumes, namely ischemic core, defined as relative cerebral blood flow <30%, and hypoperfusion lesions Time-to-maximum (Tmax) >6 s and Tmax >10s, as determined with RAPID® software, were analyzed with a linear regression model adjusted for age, sex, C-reactive protein, and time from symptom onset to imaging.

RESULTS

AGL median was 6.8 mmol/L (interquartile range 5.9-8.0 mmol/L), and 222 (27%) patients were hyperglycemic (glucose >7.8 mmol/L) on admission. In non-diabetic patients (643 [77%]), AGL was significantly associated with volume of Tmax. >6 s (regression coefficient [RC] 4.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-9.1), of Tmax >10s (RC 4.6, 95% CI 1.2-8.1), and of ischemic core (RC 2.6, 95% CI 0.64-4.6). No significant associations were shown in diabetic patients.

CONCLUSION

Admission hyperglycemia appears to be associated with both larger volume of hypoperfusion lesions and of ischemic core in non-diabetic stroke code patients with AIS and TIA.