Lipoprotein(a), Ferritin, and Albumin in Acute Phase Reaction Predicts Severity and Mortality of Acute Ischemic Stroke in North Indian Patients

Background Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of stroke. We studied the behavior of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], ferritin, and albumin as acute phase reactants and their roles in the severity and mortality of stroke. Methods We recruited 100 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke and 120 controls. Blood samples were drawn on days 1 and 7 and at both 3 and 6 months. Stroke was classified using Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Prognosis at 6 months was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale, and mortality was assessed using the Kaplan–Meier analysis. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), Lp(a), ferritin, and albumin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoturbidimetry, and chemiluminescence commercial kits, respectively. Results Levels of IL-6, Lp(a), and ferritin were consistently higher among cases than controls ( P 77 mg/dL and albumin Conclusions High levels of Lp(a) and ferritin and low levels of albumin are associated with increased severity and poorer long term prognosis of stroke. Patients with admission levels of Lp(a) >77 mg/dL and albumin