The Association between Inflammatory Markers in the Acute Phase of Stroke and Long-Term Stroke Outcomes: Evidence from a Population-Based Study of Stroke

Background: Little is known about the association between inflammatory markers in the acute stroke phase and long-term stroke outcomes. Methods: In a population-based study of stroke with 5 years follow-up, we measured the level of serum heat shock protein 27 immunoglobulin G antibody (anti-HSP27), C-reactive protein (CRP), and pro-oxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) in the acute stroke phase. We analyzed the association between these inflammatory biomarkers and stroke outcomes (recurrence, death and disability/functional dependency) with using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Results: Two hundred sixty-five patients with first-ever stroke were included in this study. The severity of stroke at admission, measured by National Institute of Health Score Scale was associated with serum concentration of CRP (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient r_s = 0.2; p = 0.004). CRP also was associated with 1-year combined death and recurrence rate ([adjusted hazard ratio 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.12; p = 0.02]). However, we did not find any association between the concentrations of CRP, anti-HSP27, PAB, and 5-year death and stroke recurrence rates. None of 3 biomarkers was associated with the long-term disability rate (defined as modified Rankin Scale >2) and functional dependency (defined as Barthel Index <60). Conclusion: CRP has a significant direct, yet weak, correlation to the severity of stroke. In addition, the level of CRP at admission may have a clinical implication to identify those at a higher risk of death or recurrence.