A Clinical and Public Health Approach: CRP Level and Severity of Stroke is there a Link?

Abstract

Introduction: Ischemic stroke is a devastating disease, affecting mostly old age people. Studies in different populations have shown that ischemic stroke can trigger an acute phase response resulting in a rise of plasma concentration of C-reactive protein.

Objective: To determine the correlation C-reactive proteins levels with severity of acute ischemic stroke

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar; Pakistan, from January September 2020 to February 2020.

Study Design: A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study

Methodology: This study was conducted in which n=180 stroke patients were selected through non-probability consecutive sampling technique. All the stroke patients presenting within 72 hours of acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in study. The stroke severity was assessed using NIH stroke scale. Moreover, serum CRP level was measured and data was entered in SPSS 24.0. Finally results were presented in form of tables. 

Results: Out of total stroke patients; 67.22% were male, 88.89% had age more than 40 years, 78.33% were married, & 38.33% had monthly income more than Rs. 80000. 31.67% had family history of stroke, 57.78% were overweight and obese, 65%& 35% prefer high caloric and vegetable foods respectively. Moreover, 81.11% presented within 24 hours, 83.89% had NIHSS score of more than 5, and 79.44% had high CRP levels.

Conclusion: It was concluded that CRP showed significant values among most of the patients with acute stroke, and was associated with increased stroke severity. The stroke showed strong association with NIHSS score, type of food preference, obesity/overweight, family history of stroke and physical in-activity.