Inflammatory Markers and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Ischemic Stroke

Review Medical Laboratory Technology

Why C-reactive protein is one of the most requested tests in clinical laboratories?

Mario Plebani

Summary: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive systemic marker of inflammation and tissue damage, synthesized by the liver in response to inflammatory cytokines. It is widely used for the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory conditions. The advances in analytical methods and automation have increased the demand for CRP measurement in systemic inflammatory diseases and atherothrombotic events, and it has recently gained interest as a biomarker for the severity of COVID-19, requiring further study for improved interpretation of results.

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE (2023)

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Article Clinical Neurology

C-Reactive Protein, Interleukin-6, and Vascular Recurrence After Stroke: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis

John J. McCabe et al.

Summary: This study investigated the association between blood inflammatory markers (hsCRP and IL-6) and recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and stroke in patients with ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack. The results showed that both hsCRP and IL-6 were independently associated with MACE and recurrent stroke. These findings strengthen the rationale for conducting randomized trials of anti-inflammatory therapies for secondary prevention after ischemic stroke/TIA.

STROKE (2023)

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Review Clinical Neurology

Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and risk of recurrence after ischaemic stroke: Systematic review and meta-analysis

J. J. McCabe et al.

Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between blood inflammatory markers and the risk of recurrent stroke or major vascular events (MVEs) after stroke. The findings indicated that CRP and fibrinogen were associated with recurrent stroke and MVEs, while IL-6 showed some trends but not statistically significant associations. Substantial methodological heterogeneity among studies was identified, highlighting the need for individual-patient pooled analysis and standardization of methods to determine the prognostic role of blood inflammatory markers.

EUROPEAN STROKE JOURNAL (2021)

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Article Hematology