Urine albumin excretion in acute ischaemic stroke is related to serum interleukin-6

Background and purpose: Several studies show a link between microalbuminuria and markers of inflammation. Increased urine albumin excretion accompanies acute ischaemic stroke. The mechanisms responsible for microalbuminuria in acute stroke patients remain unclear. The goal of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between urine albumin excretion and interleukin-6, a key mediator of acute phase reaction. Methods: Nineteen acute ischaemic stroke patients and 13 controls matched for age, sex and cardiovascular risk factors were included. Serum interleukin-6 level was measured on the 2nd day of stroke at 06:00 am, 10:00 am, 06:00 pm and 10:00 pm using ELISA method. Urine albumin excretion was determined using immunonephelometric method. Results: Interleukin-6 level and urine albumin excretion were significantly higher in stroke patients than in controls. There was a significant correlation between interleukin-6 level and urine albumin excretion in stroke patients (R=-0.60 at 06:00 am; R=-0.49 at 10:00 am; R=-0.64 at 06:00 pm; R=-0.54 at 10:00 pm) but not in controls. Conclusions: Urine albumin excretion in acute ischaemic stroke is related to serum interleukin-6.