Ischemia-modified Albumin and Heart Fatty Acid-binding Protein: Could Early Ischemic Cardiac Biomarkers Be Used in Acute Stroke Management?

Background: The detection of biomarkers such as ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and heart fatty acid-binding protein (HFABP) is used in the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. As these biomarkers are not organ specific, we tested them in the neurovascular field. Methods: A total of 41 patients with acute stroke were enrolled (31 ischemic strokes and 10 intracerebral hemorrhages). IMA and HFABP levels were measured in serum samples collected within 4.5 hours of stroke onset. Clinical, imaging, and outcome data were recorded. Results: No difference in baseline IMA or HFABP was found between patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. There was no correlation among biomarker levels at admission, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, or stroke volume. Neither of the biomarkers could predict short-term prognosis. Conclusions: IMA and HFABP do not appear to be relevant in acute stroke management.