Admission C-reactive protein does not predict functional outcomes in patients with strokes in a subacute rehabilitation unit.
OBJECTIVE
Because serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels correlate with the extent of inflammatory reactions, including acute strokes, we tested whether serum CRP levels on admission to a stroke rehabilitation unit help to predict functional outcome at discharge.


METHODS
We measured serum CRP level within 72 hrs of admission to an inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit in 102 successive patients transferred to rehabilitation within 4 wks following stroke and who met inclusion criteria.


RESULTS
Patients with normal levels of serum CRP (< or =9.9 mg/dl) on admission to our rehabilitation service were more likely to be discharged home rather than to an institution (66% vs. 44%, P < 0.03). These patients with normal serum CRP had higher absolute values for total functional independence measures and functional independence measures motor scores on admission, as well as on discharge (i.e., less disability). They also had fewer infections or other medical complications. However, the absolute magnitude of improvement (DeltaFIM) and length of stay were similar in the normal and elevated CRP groups. Multivariable logistic regression model did not show serum CRP level on admission to predict rehabilitation functional outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum CRP level does not predict functional outcome at discharge on inpatient rehabilitation for stroke.
Rabadi
Meheroz H
MH
Stroke Service, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, New York 10605-2523, USA. mrabadi@burke.org
Coar
Patricia L
PL
Lukin
Meredith
M
Lesser
Martin
M
Blass
John P
JP
D000368:Aged; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010343:Patient Admission; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000032:analysis; D020521:Stroke / Q000097:blood*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014168:Transferrin / Q000032:analysis
D012709:Serum Albumin; D014168:Transferrin; D002097:C-Reactive Protein