Serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in acute ischemic stroke and its subtypes: a prospective case-control study

Abstract

Background and objectives: Studies in different populations have shown that ischemic stroke can trigger an acute phase response resulting in a rise of plasma concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) and high level of high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) is a risk factor for ischemic stroke. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of high hsCRP levels (≥ 1 mg/L) with ischemic stroke and its subtypes in Indian patients. Methods: This prospective observational case-control study included 150 patients (96 males, 54 females; aged 24–81 years) with first acute ischemic stroke who were admitted within 72 hours after onset, and 150 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The study was conducted from July 2016 to July 2017. The patients were classified according to Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification. hsCRP levels were assessed in all included stroke patients. Results: The mean serum level of hsCRP was significantly higher in patients with first acute ischemic stroke than in healthy controls (P < 0.001). The mean serum level of hsCRP was higher in patients who had more severe stroke on admission. The prevalence of high serum level of hsCRP was highest in large-artery atherosclerosis (35.2%), followed by in cardioembolic (28.2%) stroke. The mean serum level of hsCRP was highest in large-artery atherosclerosis, followed by in stroke of undetermined etiology and cardioembolic subtype. High serum level of hsCRP was significantly associated with hypertension and age (P < 0.001 or P < 0.05). Multiple Logistic regression analysis revealed that high level of hsCRP was independently associated with acute ischemic stroke [odds ratio (OR) = 3.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.39–6.27]. High hsCRP level was strongly associated with cardioembolic stroke (OR = 4.97, 95% CI: 2.5–9.65), large-artery atherosclerosis (OR = 4.75, 95% CI: 2.57–8.81), and stroke of undetermined etiology (OR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.72–6.54). Conclusion: High hsCRP level is strongly associated with acute ischemic stroke and its subtypes, and it is an independent predictor of acute ischemic stroke. Ethics: The study was approved by the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Ethics Committee (EC/07/14/701) on July 5, 2014.