[C-reactive protein in the acute phase of ischemic stroke].
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to assess the prognostic importance of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the acute phase of ischemic stroke in-patients.


METHODS
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 transient ischemic attack, 31 as favourable stroke, 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, mainly when levels were greater than 3.6 (0.49) mg/dl.
Arévalo-Lorido
José Carlos
JC
Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Comarcal de Zafra, Badajoz, España. jocarlor@inicia.es
Carretero-Gómez
Juana
J
Calvo-Romero
José María
JM
Romero-Requena
Jorge Manuel
JM
Pérez-Alonso
Juan Luis
JL
Gutiérrez-Montaño
Concepción
C
Ortiz-Descane
Carmen
C
D000368:Aged; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D020521:Stroke / Q000097:blood*
D002097:C-Reactive Protein