C-reactive protein in the acute phase of ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the prognostic importance of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the acute phase of ischemic stroke in-patients. PATIENTS AND METHOD: One hundred and seventeen patients within 48 h after index ischemic stroke were included. CRP levels and blood samples were obtained at this time, and a brain computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Neurological and functional disability were evaluated and patients were divided according to the outcome into the following categories: transient ischemic attack, favorable stroke, and non-favorable stroke. RESULTS: 32 in-patients were classified as trans and 54 as non-favorable stroke. There was a worsening in neurological (p < 0.0001) and functional (p < 0.005) disabilities from the TIA group to non-favorable stroke. The CRP mean, by category, was 1.7, 1.07 and 3.6 mg/dl, respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We found increased levels of CRP in the non-favorable stroke category, that was related with neurological and functional disabilities, and with radiological findings, ma when levels were greater than 3.6 (0.49) mg/dl.