Can High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Ferritin Predict Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke? A Prospective Study

Background: Inflammation may not only be the consequence of brain infarction but it may also contribute to ischemic damage. However, the role of inflammatory markers in predicting functional outcome in stroke remains controversial. Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the predictive value of admission high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and ferritin levels for functional disability in patients with acute ischemic stroke at 3-month follow-up and investigate the relationship between inflammatory markers and subtypes, severity, and risk factors of ischemic stroke. Methods: Sixty-two patients were examined prospectively within 48 hours after onset of ischemic stroke. Plasma hs-CRP and ferritin measurements were obtained from patients within 48 hours after onset and at 3-month follow-up. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the level of hs-CRP: elevated (serum hs-CRP >= 0.5 mg/dL) and normal (serum hs-CRP <0.5 mg/dL) hs-CRP groups. Stroke severity was analyzed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and functional disability was assessed by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS). Stroke subtypes were classified according to the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project. Results: Except for the correlation between hs-CRP levels and FIM scores on admission, no significant correlation was found between laboratory markers and FIM, FAS, and NIHSS scores and stroke subtypes on admission and at 3-month follow-up (P>.05). Conclusion: This study revealed that neither hs-CRP nor ferritin levels could predict functional disability 3 months after stroke onset. FIM, FAS, and NIHSS scores were more useful in predicting functional outcome 3 months after stroke onset than the laboratory markers evaluated in this study.