C-reactive protein is an indicator for fatal outcomes in first-time stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: The causal relation of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) to ischemic cerebrovascular disease remains unclear, though an inflammatory effect has been suggested in many studies. The aim of our study was to evaluate serum hsCRP levels in ischemic stroke patients and in a control group, and to correlate the values with other generally known risk factors. MATERIAL/METHODS: A total of 47 patients with ischemic stroke and 26 control subjects were recruited. The cases were well-matched to controls for age and sex. Peripheral blood samples from stroke patients were obtained between 12-24 hours after the stroke. Serum levels of hsCRP were determined by chemoluminescence assay. RESULTS: The mean serum levels of hsCRP were found to be significantly higher in patients (3.12 +/- 4.4 mg/dL) than controls (0.39 +/- 0.6 mg/dL, p=0.0001). The level of hsCRP was above the risk limit in 39 patients (83.0%) and 7 controls (26.9%). The hsCRP values were not related to the presence of other vascular risk factors, except for cholesterol level. The correlation analysis of hsCRP revealed a linear correlation with death within six months and the presence of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that elevated serum hsCRP levels may be an indicator of fatal outcome in first-time stroke patients.