Prognostic value of serum thioredoxin levels in ischemic stroke

Objectives: Thioredoxin (Trx) is one of significant antioxidative molecules to diminish oxidative stress. Current evidence suggests that Trx is a potent antioxidant with cytoprotective functions. The aim of our study was to investigate specifically the association between serum Trx levels and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

Methods: 198 AIS patients and 75 controls were enrolled to the study. Serum Trx levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Stroke severity was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission. Clinical endpoint was functional outcome measured by Barthel Index (BI) 3 months after admission. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors.

Results: We found that serum Trx levels were significantly increased in patients as compared to controls. Serum Trx was an independent biomarker to predict ischemic stroke (OR, 1.264; 95% CI, 1.04–1.537; P = 0.019). In addition, there was a negative correlation between NIHSS score at admission and serum Trx levels in cardioembolic stroke patients (r = ?0.422; P = 0.013). Furthermore, higher serum Trx levels in AIS patients were associated with favorable functional outcome. Serum Trx was an independent predictor for the functional outcome (OR, 0.862; 95% CI, 0.75–0.991; P = 0.037).

Conclusions: Serum Trx might be as a biomarker of cardioembolic stroke severity. Increased serum Trx levels could be a useful tool to predict good prognosis in patients with AIS.     

Association between Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Neurological Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and PurposeSerum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is known to have a neuroprotective effect. This study aimed to determine the effects of serum IGF-1 on the severity and clinical outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsThis study included 446 patients with AIS who were admitted to Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital within 7 days of stroke onset from February 2014 to June 2017. Serum IGF-1 levels were measured within 24 hours of admission. Stroke severity was measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission, and the functional outcome at 3 months after symptom onset was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale score. The effects of serum IGF-1 levels on stroke severity and 3-month functional outcomes were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThis study evaluated 379 patients with AIS (age 67.2±12.6 years, mean±standard deviation; 59.9% males) after excluding 67 patients who had a history of previous stroke (n=25) or were lost to follow-up at 3 months (n=42). After adjusting for clinically relevant covariates, a higher serum IGF-1 level was associated with a lower NIHSS score at admission (adjusted odds ratio=0.44, 95% confidence interval=0.24–0.80, p=0.01), while there was no significant association at 3 months.ConclusionsThis study showed that a higher serum IGF-1 level is associated with a lower NIHSS score at admission but not at 3 months. Further studies are required to clarify the usefulness of the serum IGF-1 level as a prognostic marker for ischemic stroke.     

Association of serum growth differentiation factor 15 level with acute ischemic stroke in a Chinese population

Abstract

Background: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a member of the transforming growth factor-ß family. Elevated GDF-15 concentrations are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and cerebrovascular disease.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the clinical significance of serum GDF-15 level after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in a Chinese population.

Methods: We compared serum GDF-15 levels between 83 AIS patients and 124 controls. At admission and on day 7, we recorded the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and measured serum GDF-15 levels for AIS patients and for control patients at admission. Stroke volumes were calculated using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging performed at admission. Clinical outcomes were evaluated 90?days later using the modified Rankin Scale.

Results: Serum GDF-15 level at admission was significantly higher in AIS patients than in controls (p?<?.01). GDF-15 level on day 7 was significantly higher in the poor outcomes group than in the good outcomes group (p?<?.05). Higher GDF-15 levels at admission and on day 7 were related to larger stroke volumes (p?<?.01). Binary logistic regression indicated that serum GDF-15 level at admission may be independently related with AIS (p?<?.01). Serum GDF-15 level on day 7 may independently associated with poor outcomes after AIS (p?<?.05).

Conclusions: GDF-15 level at admission may independently related to AIS, and GDF-15 level on day 7 could independently predict outcomes at 90?days after AIS. GDF-15 may provide prognostic information after AIS in a Chinese population.     

Calcium Channel Subunit α2δ-1 as a Potential Biomarker Reflecting Illness Severity and Neuroinflammation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

BackgroundVoltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) dysfunction is involved in the development of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). As a subunit of VGCC complexes, we detected the levels of α2δ-1 subunit in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from AIS patients.MethodsThe study included 105 patients with first-ever AIS, who were admitted within 48 hours after stroke onset. The serum and CSF levels of α2δ-1 were measured with ELISA and the severity of AIS patients was evaluated according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. The cerebral infarct volume was calculated through the Pullicino formula based on the cranial CT or MRI scan. C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured using the latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay.ResultsCompared to the control subjects, the serum α2δ-1 level was significantly increased in AIS patients with large infarct volume and in severe AIS cases with high NIHSS score, which correlated positively with the inflammatory markers CRP and SAA. Furthermore, the concentration of α2δ-1 in CSF was elevated with the infarct volume, which was higher in severe AIS patients.ConclusionOur study suggests that the increased α2δ-1 levels in serum and CSF specimens may be used as a potential marker for reflecting VGCCs dysfunction, illness severity and neuroinflammation in AIS patients.     

Microalbuminuria in patients with acute ischemic stroke

ABSTRACT

Objective: Microalbuminuria could be detected in patients with acute stroke. However, the association between microalbuminuria and the severity of ischemic stroke has not been systematically investigated. This study aimed to systematically explore the prevalence of microalbuminuria in ischemic stroke patients, and the association of microalbuminuria with the severity of ischemic stroke, as well as the prognostic value of microalbuminuria in cerebral infarction patients.

Methods: 160 ischemic stroke patients and 54 controls were enrolled and clinical characteristics were recorded. Severity of stroke was assessed by NIHSS score at admission, and outcome was measured using mRS score. The concentration of urinary microalbumin was collected for each participant. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between microalbuminuria and the severity of ischemic stroke, and logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the prognostic value of microalbuminuria in ischemic stroke patients.

Results: The incidence of microalbuminuria in ischemic stroke patients was 36.88%. The concentration of urinary microalbumin increased with the increasing of cerebral infarction size, and was independently correlated with NIHSS score at admission and mRS score at 3 months after onset. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, microalbuminuria was one of the independent risk factors for poor prognosis of cerebral infarction patients.

Conclusions: MAU?was?found?in?approximately?one-third of patients with acute ischemic stroke. It was correlated with the severity of cerebral infarction at admission and clinical outcomes at 3 months after onset and could be used as a potential indicator of poor prognosis in ischemic stroke patients.     

Incremental Accuracy of Blood Biomarkers for Predicting Clinical Outcomes After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

BackgroundIntracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with high mortality, morbidity, and recurrence. Studies have reported the accuracy of several blood biomarkers in predicting clinical outcomes; however, their independent contribution in prediction remains to be established.AimTo investigate the incremental accuracy in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with ICH in a north Indian population using blood-based biomarkers.MethodsIn this study, a total of 250 ICH cases were recruited within 72 hours of onset. Baseline clinical and CT scan measurement were recorded. Homocysteine (HCY), C-reactive protein (CRP), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), E-selectin (SELE), and P-selectin (SELP) levels were measured through ELISA. Telephonic follow-up was done by using mRS scale at three months.ResultsThe mean age of cohort was 54.9 (SD±12.8) years with 64.8% patients being male. A total of 109 (43.6%) deaths were observed over three months follow-up. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve-(AUROC) for 90-day mortality were 0.55 (HCY), 0.62 (CRP), 0.57 (MMP9), 0.60 (SELE) and 0.53 (SELP) and for poor outcome at 90-day (mRS: 3-6) were 0.60 (HCY), 0.62 (CRP), 0.54 (MMP9), 0.67 (SELE) and 0.54 (SELP). In multivariable model including age, ICH volume, IVH and GCS at admission, serum SELE (p=0.004) significant for poor outcome with improved AUROC (0.86) and HCY (p=0.04), CRP (p=0.003) & MMP9 (p=0.02) for mortality with least Akaike's Information Criterion-(AIC) (1060.5).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the serum SELE is a significant predictor of poor outcome and HCY, CRP & MMP9 for Mortality in patients with ICH in the north Indian population.     

Serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels are associated with infarct volumes and long-term outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Purpose: Previous studies have shown that macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) plays a significant role in stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the serum MIF level with both infarct volume and long-term outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: This study included 146 patients who were identified within 24 h of first experiencing AIS symptoms. Serum MIF levels were tested at the time of admission and three months later. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the risk and long-term outcome of stroke according to serum MIF level. Results: Serum MIF levels were only higher in acute-stage AIS patients compared with those of the normal controls (p < 0.0001). Chronic-stage serum MIF levels were significantly lower than acute-stage serum MIF levels (p < 0.001) and were similar to serum MIF levels in the controls (p = 0.392). The serum MIF level was positively associated with infarct volume (r = 0.5515, p < 0.0001) and NIHSS score (r = 0.5190, p < 0.0001). After adjusting for other significant outcome predictors, the serum MIF level was an independent predictor of long-term outcome, with an adjusted OR of 1.113 (p = 0.005, 95% CI: 1.051–1.238). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that serum MIF levels were significantly increased after AIS. Serum MIF levels at admission were positively correlated with infarct volume and long-term outcome in patients with AIS. The serum MIF level could serve as a useful prognostic marker in patients with AIS.     

幽门螺杆菌感染及同型半胱氨酸与急性缺血性卒中短期结局的相关性研究

目的 研究幽门螺杆菌（helicobacter pylori,Hp）感染及同型半胱氨酸（homocysteine,Hcy）与急性缺血 性卒中（acute ischemic stroke,AIS）短期结局的相关性。 方法 采用前瞻性队列研究的方法,纳入唐山工人医院2014年1-12月的120例首发AIS患者。入院后 测定Hp-IgG阳性率、Hcy水平,进行美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表（National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale,NIHSS）评分,收集其他可能影响短期结局的相关因素（包括一般临床资料及生化指标）。对患 者进行短期结局（发病2个月）改良Rankin量表（modified Rankin Scale,mRS）评分。 结果 ①短期结局不良组的Hp感染率及Hcy水平显著高于结局良好组,比较差异具有显著性（P ＜0.05）。②以AIS短期结局为应变量,单因素Logistic回归分析发现,年龄、性别、基线NIHSS评分、Hp感 染及Hcy水平与AIS患者短期结局相关。③以AIS短期结局为应变量,单因素分析中P＜0.05的因素为自变 量,进行多因素Logistic回归分析,结果显示年龄[比值比（odds ratio,OR）=1.021,P =0.017]、基线NIHSS 评分（OR =2.318,P＜0.001）、Hp感染（OR =1.038,P =0.008）、Hcy（OR =1.029,P＜0.001）与AI S患者短 期结局不良相关。 结论 Hp感染、高Hcy血症是AIS患者短期结局不良的危险因素。     

Low free triiodothyronine levels are related to symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and poor functional outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients

Background and Objective: Low free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels have been associated with increased mortality and poor functional outcomes in patients with stroke. However, the research of relationship between fT3 levels and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is scarce. We aimed to investigate the association of fT3 levels with symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and functional outcomes at discharge in AIS patients with IVT.

Methods: Patients with AIS admitted to West China hospital, Sichuan University, who had underwent IVT treatment, were consecutively and retrospectively included. Demographic and clinical information were collected and analyzed according to the levels of fT3. We used logistic regression analysis to estimate the multivariable adjusted association of fT3 levels and post-IVT sICH, and functional outcomes at discharge.

Results: Among the 46 patients (26 males; mean age, 63.6 years) in the final analysis, 17 patients (37.0%) had fT3 levels lower than the reference range. After adjustment for age, gender, and statistically important variables (NIHSS on admission, urea levels and creatinine levels), low fT3 levels were significantly associated with post-IVT sICH (p = 0.01, OR = 0.27, 95% CI 0.10–0.77) and poor functional outcomes at discharge (p = 0.04 OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.05–6.35).

Conclusion: We found that lower free T3 levels are independently related to post-IVT sICH and poor functional outcomes at discharge in AIS patients with IVT, which should be verified and extended in large cohorts in the future.     

Evaluation of stroke prognostication using age and NIH Stroke Scale index (SPAN-100 index) in delayed intravenous thrombolysis patients (beyond 4.5 hours)

Objectivesthe efficacy of delayed intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), beyond the 4.5 h window, is evolving. Advanced age and high admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score are proposed to adversely affect the outcome of delayed thrombolysis and limit the inclusion criteria. The summation of patient age and admission NIHSS score was introduced as the SPAN-100 index as a tool of prediction of the clinical outcome after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to assess the SPAN-100 index in AIS thrombolysed patients after 4.5 h.Materials and MethodsThe SPAN-100 index was applied to AIS patients receiving delayed IV thrombolysis (IVT) after 4.5 h. Patients demographics, risk factors, clinical, laboratory and radiological data, mismatch evidence, treatment onset and modality, NIHSS score at baseline and at discharge, and 3 months follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were reviewed. SPAN-100 score ≥ 100 is classified as SPAN-100 positive while score < 100 is SPAN-100 negative. Clinical outcomes, death and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) incidences were compared between SPAN-100 positive and negative groups.ResultsSPAN-100-positive delayed IVT-patients (11/136) had a 6-fold increased risk for unfavorable outcome compared to SPAN-negative patients (OR 6.34; 95% CI 1.59–25.24 p=0.004), however there was no relation between the SPAN-100 positivity and mortality or ICH.ConclusionSPAN-100-positive patients are more likely to achieve non-favorable outcome with delayed IVT in comparison to the SPAN-100-negative patients. SPAN-100 index may influence the eligibility criteria of delayed thrombolysis.     

Factors affecting the outcome of delayed intravenous thrombolysis (> 4.5 hours)

IntroductionEvidence of the intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) efficacy beyond the 4.5 hours window is emerging. We aim to study the factors affecting the outcome of delayed thrombolysis in patients of clear onset acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsData of patients with AIS who received intravenous thrombolytic after 4.5 hours were reviewed including: demographics, risk factors, clinical, laboratory, investigational and radiological data, evidence of mismatch, treatment type and onset, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at baseline, 24 hours, 7 days after thrombolysis and before discharge, and 3 months follow-up modified Rankin Scale (mRS).ResultsWe report 136 patients treated by intravenous tPA between 4.53 and 19.75 hours with average duration of 5.7 h. The ASPECT score of our patients was ≥ 7. Sixty-four cases showed intracranial arterial occlusion. Perfusion mismatch was detected in 117 (84.6%) patients, while clinical imaging mismatch was detected in 19 (15.4%). Early neurological improvement after 24 hours occurred in 114 (83.8%) patients. At 90 days, 91 patients (67%) achieved good outcome (mRS 0–2), while 45 (33%) had bad outcome (mRS 3–6). Age, endovascular treatment, NIHSS, AF, and HT were significantly higher in the bad outcome group. Age (P = 0.001, OR: 1.099, 95% CI: 1.042–1.160) and baseline NIHSS were predictive of the poor outcome (P = 0.002, OR: 1.151, 95% CI: 1.055–1.256). The best cutoff value of age was 72.5 with AUC of 0.76, sensitivity 73.3% and specificity 60.4%. While for NIHSS at admission, the cutoff value of 7 showed the best results with AUC of 0.73, sensitivity 71.1% and specificity 63.7%. Combination of age and admission NIHSS raised the sensitivity and specificity to 84.4% and 63.7%, respectively.ConclusionIncreased age and admission NIHSS may adversely affect the outcome of delayed thrombolysis and narrow the eligibility criteria. Age and baseline NIHSS based stratification of the patients may provide further evidence as regards the efficacy of the delayed thrombolysis.     

Rapid Risk Stratification of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients in the Emergency Department: The Incremental Prognostic Role of Left Atrial Reservoir Strain

ObjectivesTo determine the prognostic value of positive global left atrial strain (LA-GSA+), measured by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in a population of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients without atrial fibrillation (AF), in the setting of Emergency Department (ED).MethodsAll consecutive AIS patients with sinus rhythm on ECG and without AF history entered this prospective study. All patients underwent complete blood tests and transthoracic echocardiography implemented with 2D-STE analysis of LA strain parameters within 6–12 h after symptoms onset. At 6-months follow-up, we evaluated the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality plus cardiovascular re-hospitalizations.ResultsA total of 102 AIS patients (76.4 ± 10.8 yrs, 47% males) were prospectively included. LA-GSA+ was markedly reduced in AIS patients (20.8 ± 7.7%), without any statistically significant difference between the stroke subtypes. At 6-months follow-up, 7 deaths and 27 re-hospitalizations occurred. On multivariate Cox regression analysis, variables independently associated with outcome were: LA-GSA+ (per unit) (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.19–0.39) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (per 0.1 mg/dl) (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.15–1.75) as continuous variables; statin therapy (HR 0.45, 95%CI 0.28–0.62), and type 2 diabetes (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.15–2.35) as categorical variables. A LA-GSA+ ≤20.0% predicted the occurrence of the above-mentioned outcome at 6-months follow-up with 94% sensitivity and 81% specificity (AUC=0.84). Interestingly, GSA+ showed a strong inverse correlation with CRP levels (r = -0.86).ConclusionsA LA-GSA+ ≤20% reflects a more advanced atrial cardiomyopathy and might provide a rapid and reliable prognostic risk stratification of AIS patients without AF history in the setting of ED.     

Argatroban plus aspirin versus aspirin in acute ischemic stroke

Objectives: Anticoagulant therapy in the acute phase of AIS remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate whether argatroban benefited early stroke outcomes compared with antiplatelet treatment.

Methods: We reviewed data from 1,485 patients with AIS hospitalized at Tianjin Union Medical Center (TUMC) between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015 from the TUMC registry database. Patients were divided into two groups: an antiplatelet group (aspirin 300 mg daily) and an argatroban group (argatroban 60 mg for 2 days followed by 20 mg daily; or 20 mg daily – both regimens combination with aspirin 100 mg daily). Two primary outcomes, change in NIHSS score (baseline–discharge) and intracerebral hemorrhage, were investigated.

Results: No major symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages were observed in either group. Both groups had significantly decreased NIHSS scores at discharge (Z = ?14.617, P < 0.001 and Z = ?6.385, P < 0.001, respectively), and there were no significant group differences in NIHSS score change (Z = ?1.888, P = 0.059). In the mild stroke subgroup, the argatroban group had a worse NIHSS score at discharge (Z = ?6.148, P = 0.002), while the aspirin group had an improved NIHSS score (Z = ?4,423, P < 0.001). In the moderate stroke subgroup, both groups had significantly decreased NIHSS scores at discharge (Z = ?13.260, P < 0.001 and Z = ?7.108, P < 0.001, respectively) and there were no significant group differences in NIHSS score changes (Z = ?1.888, P = 0.059).

Conclusion: Argatroban is effective and safe for the treatment of moderate AIS with similar efficacy to high-dose aspirin in the acute phase of AIS, although no additional benefit on short-term outcome was observed. For patients with mild AIS, argatroban may be inferior to high-dose aspirin.     

Effects of major adipokines and the −420 C > G resistin gene polymorphism on the long-term outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Aim: The association between adiponectin, leptin, and resistin and the long-term outcome of ischemic stroke are controversial. We aimed to evaluate this relationship.

Methods: We prospectively studied 83 patients consecutively hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke (38.6% males, age 79.7?±?6.3?years). Serum adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels and the ?420C?>?G polymorphism of the resistin gene were determined at admission. Stroke severity at admission was evaluated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). One year after discharge, functional status, incidence of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality were recorded. Functional status was evaluated with the modified Rankin scale (mRS).

Results: Patients with the G allele had lower mRS (p?<?.05) and patients with adverse outcome had higher serum resistin levels (p?<?.05). The only independent predictor of adverse outcome was mRS at discharge (risk ratio (RR) 2.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54–5.00; p?<?.001). Higher adiponectin levels were an independent predictor of cardiovascular morbidity (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01–1.14; p?<?.05). Patients who died had higher serum adiponectin levels than those who survived (p?<?.05). The only independent predictor of all-cause mortality was NIHSS at admission (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.04–1.35; p?<?.01).

Conclusions: In patients with acute ischemic stroke, the G allele of the ?420C?>?G polymorphism of the resistin gene promoter is more frequent in those with a more favorable functional outcome at one year after discharge. Patients with higher serum resistin levels appear to have worse long-term functional outcome, while higher serum adiponectin levels are associated with higher incidence of cardiovascular events.     

Microalbuminuria

Introduction

Stroke is potentially preventable through risk factor reduction. Over the past decade, the role of microalbuminuria (MA) as a risk factor for chronic diseases has become apparent. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of MA in acute stroke patients.

Materials and methods

Patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to our stroke unit were included in this study. Clinical history and vascular risk factors were recorded. Severity of stroke and outcome were assessed by NIHSS and modified Rankin scale (mRS) upon admission and discharge. Urinary albumin excretion was measured in 24-h urine samples. Multivariate analysis was performed to investigate predictors of poor outcome.

Results

MA was found in 43% of 138 patients and was associated with elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose at baseline, and HbA1c; higher rates of diabetes mellitus and atrial fibrillation; higher systolic blood pressure; greater age; and higher premorbid mRS, NIHSS upon admission/discharge, and mRS upon discharge. In a multivariate analysis, MA (OR 5.07, 95%CI 2.18–11.77; p??=?0.004), premorbid mRS (OR 2.030, 95%CI 1.369–3.011; p??=?0.0001), and NIHSS upon admission (OR 1.116, 95%CI 1.044–1.193; p??=?0.001) were independent predictors of poor outcome upon discharge.

Conclusion

MA was frequently found in acute ischemic stroke patients. It was associated with severe neurological deficit upon admission and severe functional impairment upon discharge. MA in the acute phase was shown to be an independent predictor of poor outcome. The association between MA and CRP levels points to potential linkage of MA to the inflammatory response in acute stroke.     

Increased Serum Alkaline Phosphatase in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background

Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and death. Higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels have been associated with poor functional outcomes and mortality in previous studies. We investigated alterations in serum ALP concentrations and functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

The diagnostic and prognostic value of serum neurogranin in acute ischemic stroke

ObjectivesStroke is a frequently encountered life-threatening medical condition in emergency departments (EDs). Despite all worldwide efforts, a reliable circulating biomarker has not been identified yet. This study investigates the diagnostic and prognostic value of neurogranin (Ng) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsThis prospective case-control study was conducted on ED patients with AIS and healthy volunteers. We collected the basic demographics, measured serum Ng levels of the patients vs. controls, and followed up the patient group for 6-month by phone or clinical notes to assess the functional outcomes.ResultsData analysis was completed with 142 subjects (86 patients vs. 55 controls). The groups did not differ in terms of age and gender. The median serum Ng level of the patient group was significantly higher compared to the control group [160.00 (75.93) vs. 121.26 (90.35) ng/mL and p ? 0.001, respectively]. Serum Ng level of 25 patients admitted to the ED within the first 6 hours from the onset of AIS was 177.93 (24.03) ng/mL, while serum Ng level of 61 patients admitted to the ED within 6-24 hours was 131.84 (76.44) ng/mL. AUROC results were 0.717 vs. 0.868 vs. 0.874 for stroke patients admitted during the first 24 hours, 6 hours, and 4.5 hours after the onset, respectively. Lesion volume, NIHSS, and modified Rankin Scale scores (mRS) at admission showed no significant correlation with Ng levels as well as 6-month mortality and 6-month mRS.ConclusionsTimely AIS diagnosis is still a challenge for emergency departments due to the dependency on imaging. Serum Ng can be a promising diagnostic biomarker for AIS patients admitted in the first 24 hours. Even it outperformed in the first 4.5 and 6-hour time windows. However, it did not show a significant prognostic value.     

Plasma Levels of miR-125b-5p and miR-206 in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients After Recanalization Treatment: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: Multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the response to hypoxic/ischemic and ischemia-reperfusion events. However, the expression of these miRNAs in circulation from patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) receiving recanalization treatment has not been examined, and whether they are associated with the severity and outcome of stroke is still unknown. Materials and methods: In this prospective cohort study, plasma levels of miR-125b-5p, miR-15a-3p, miR-15a-5p, and miR-206 were measured at 24 hours after thrombolysis with or without endovascular treatment in 94 patients with AIS, as determined by qRT-PCR. Stroke severity was assessed based on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and infarct lesion. Intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) was recorded. An unfavorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score greater than 2 at day 90 after stroke. Results: miR-125b-5p and miR-206 levels were correlated with NIHSS scores (P = .014 and P = .002) and cerebral infarction volumes (P = .025 and P = .030). miR-125b-5p levels were significantly higher in patients with an unfavorable outcome than in patients with a favorable outcome (P = .002) and showed good diagnostic accuracy in discriminating the presence of an unfavorable outcome (area under the curve .735, 95% confidence interval .623-.829, P < .001). No association was found between different miRNAs and ICH. Conclusions: In AIS patients after thrombolysis with or without endovascular treatment, miR-125b-5p is a novel prognostic biomarker highly associated with an unfavorable outcome. miR-125b-5p and miR-206 levels are associated with stroke severity.     

Evaluation of routinely performed hematological and biochemical parameters for the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke patients

We have investigated serial changes in routine hematological and biochemical analysis in the follow-up samples collected from acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients (n = 17) at admission (0 h) and 24, 48, 72 and 144 h after admission, respectively, to determine their prognostic significance. Blood samples from age and sex matched healthy control subjects (n = 12) were also collected. We observed significant changes in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell count (WBC), polymorph, lymphocyte, and total protein levels in discharged and expired AIS patients. These changes were more in expired AIS patient throughout the follow-up. Similarly low hemoglobin (Hb) and globulin were observed only in expired AIS patient. Thus ESR, WBC, polymorph, lymphocyte, and total protein may be used as a predictor for severity of AIS. Similarly low Hb and globulin in AIS patient may be used as a predictive biomarker for short-term mortality after AIS.     

Redefining Early Neurological Improvement After Reperfusion Therapy in Stroke

Background and Purpose: Early neurologic improvement (ENI) in patients treated with alteplase has been shown to correlate with functional outcome. However, the definition of ENI remains controversial and has varied across studies. We hypothesized that ENI defined as a percentage change in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (percent change NIHSS score) at 24-hours would better correlate with favorable outcomes at 3 months than ENI defined as the change in NIHSS score (delta NIHSS score) at 24 hours. Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected single-center quality improvement data was performed of all acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with alteplase. We examined delta NIHSS score and percent change NIHSS score in unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models as predictors of a favorable outcome at 3 months (defined as mRS 0-1). Results: Among 586 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 194 (33.1%) had a favorable outcome at 3 months. In fully adjusted models, both delta NIHSS score (OR per point decrease 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.36) and percent change NIHSS score (OR per 10 percent decrease 1.17; 95% CI 1.12-1.22) were associated with favorable functional outcome at 3 months. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve comparison showed that the area under the ROC curve for percent change NIHSS score (.755) was greater than delta NIHSS score (.613) or admission NIHSS (.694). Conclusions: Percentage change in NIHSS score may be a better surrogate marker of ENI and functional outcome in AIS patients after receiving acute thrombolytic therapy. More studies are needed to confirm our findings.