Predictive value of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 for risk of ischemic events in individuals with cerebrovascular disease.
OBJECTIVE
Cellular adhesion molecules may play a critical role in the inflammatory process leading to atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) is a predictor of future ischemic events in high-risk individuals and also whether it is associated with carotid artery stenosis.


METHODS
We conducted a prospective study of sICAM-1 concentration in 3 groups: (1) subjects with recent (< 7 days) ischemic stroke or TIA, (2) asymptomatic subjects with carotid stenosis > or = 50% and (3) asymptomatic individuals with vascular risk factors. Subjects were followed for a minimum of 3 years. sICAM-1 levels were compared between the groups and correlated with the risk of ischemic events and the degree of carotid artery stenosis.


RESULTS
We studied 275 subjects. Mean sICAM-1 levels were significantly higher in those with recent ischemic stroke or TIA compared to those with risk factors alone. During follow-up, ischemic events occurred almost nine times more frequently in subjects in group 1 compared to group 3. sICAM-1 concentration was not predictive of future ischemic events (OR 1.001, 95% CI 0.998-1.004). There was no significant association between sICAM-1 concentration and carotid artery stenosis (OR 1.001, 95% CI 0.999-1.004).


CONCLUSIONS
Mean sICAM-1 levels were higher in subjects with recent cerebral ischemia. No association between sICAM-1 and carotid artery stenosis was observed. Neither baseline nor subsequent sICAM-1 levels were predictive of the risk of future ischemic events.
Ehrensperger
Eric
E
Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, McGill University Health Center, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Que, Canada.
Minuk
Jeffrey
J
Durcan
Liam
L
Mackey
Ariane
A
Wolfson
Christina
C
Fontaine
Anne-Marie
AM
Côté
Robert
R
D000368:Aged; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000150:complications; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000097:blood*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography
D018799:Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1