C-reactive protein - A predictable biomarker in ischemic stroke

Abstract

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific inflammatory marker, correlated with the severity and prognosis of ischemic stroke. We performed a retrospective study in which were included 81 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke admitted between January and July 2017 in the Department of Neurology, Sibiu Emergency Clinical Hospital. CRP values were classified on three levels (0 - 5 mg/L, 5 - 50 mg/L and> 50 mg/L). We examined the correlation between CRP levels according to the type of ischemic (lacunar/territorial) stroke, the degree of motor deficit (quantified by the mRC scale), the associated risk factors and the mortality rate. PCR values above 50 mg/L were found in patients with territorial stroke (15%). Moderate motor deficits predominate, with PCR values ranging from 5-50 mg/L. The most important risk factors found in the patients included in our study were hypertension and atherosclerosis. We made correlations between these risk factors and the PCR values. In most cases with these two risk factors were recorded a mean PCR value (5-50 mg/L).For atherosclerosis the results were statistically significant, p = 0.021. Most patients (56%) had CRP levels ranging from 5 to 50 mg/L. These values recorded highest death rates. PCR it is an important marker of inflammation and it is important to be determined in all patients with acute ischemic stroke, especially which is thought to be correlated with the prognosis of these patients.