Impact of peripheral lymphocyte subsets on prognosis for patients after acute ischemic stroke: A potential disease prediction model approach

Aims: To investigate the relationship between peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: We enrolled 294 patients with AIS and collected peripheral blood samples for analysis of lymphocyte subsets. Prognosis was assessed at 3 months using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Association between lymphocyte count and poor outcomes (mRS score >2) was assessed using logistic regression. Individualized prediction models were developed to predict poor outcomes. Results: Patients in the mRS score <= 2 group had higher T-cell percentage (odds ratio [OR] = 0.947; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.899-0.998; p = 0.040), CD3(+) T-cell count (OR = 0.999; 95% CI: 0.998-1.000; p = 0.018), and CD4(+) T-cell count (OR = 0.998; 95% CI: 0.997-1.000; p = 0.030) than those in the mRS score >2 group 1-3 days after stroke. The prediction model for poor prognosis based on the CD4(+) T-cell count showed good discrimination (area under the curve of 0.844), calibration (p > 0.05), and clinical utility. Conclusion: Lower T cell percentage, CD3(+), and CD4(+) T-cell counts 1-3 days after stroke were independently associated with increased risk of poor prognosis. Individualized predictive model of poor prognosis based on CD4(+) T-cell count have good accuracy and may predict disease prognosis.