A STUDY ON THE ROLE OF SERUM CALCIUM ALBUMIN AND URIC ACID AS PREDICTOR OF NEUROLOGICAL SEVERITY AND SHORT-TERM OUTCOME IN ACUTE ISCHAEMIC STROKE

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide, the second most common cause of dementia and the third leading cause of death. Recent studies in acute ischemic stroke have brought to light newer risk factors like serum levels of calcium, hs CRP, homo cysteine and albumin. Ischemic injury in stroke leads to intracellular calcium accumulation, which activates the enzyme cascade causing cell death. It is unclear whether Serum Uric Acid promotes or protects against the cerebrovascular disease. Hence a search for other risk factors is the need of the hour. Methodology: Patients presenting within 72 hours of onset and aged ≥ 40 years were included in this study. Apart from routine investigations, serum albumin, calcium & uric acid levels were done in all patients. Results: Serum calcium, albumin & uric acid values had a highly significant correlation with neurological-severity by NIHSS scores (p< 0.001) and with the short-term outcome by Barthel index (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Serum albumin, Serum Calcium & Serum Uric acid values can predict initial neurologic severity and short-term outcome in AIS.