Interleukin-6 levels predicts mortality after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation between stroke-related mortality and post-stroke blood levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were systematically searched for relevant articles published up to November 2019. Cohort studies which investigated post-stroke IL-6 levels in the blood and mortality rates in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack were included. Among the retrieved items, six studies were finally included in the meta-analysis. IL-6 levels were found to be associated with higher rates of mortality after stroke (adjusted relative risk [RR]: 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.07; I2 = 73.5%, p = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed that IL-6 increases the risk of 3-month mortality (RR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.15-2.47). One study confirmed the independent prognostic value of IL-6 for functional outcomes in these patients. Based on the present analysis, IL-6 can be considered a predictive factor for stroke-related mortality. IL-6 suppression might decrease mortality; however, this finding warrants further clinical investigations.