High Sensitivity CRP, Fibrinogen and Homocysteine in Relation to Carotid Intima-media Thickness in Acute Ischemic Stroke / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fibrinogen and homocysteine to carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: Subjects were 347 patients with acute cerebral infarction. The carotid arterial wall thickness was measured using high resolution B-mode ultrasound. The serum levels of hs-CRP, fibrinogen and homocysteine were measured by latex-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay, clot scattering method, and chemiluminescence immunoassay respectively. Univariate regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between these levels and carotid IMT. RESULTS: In patients with acute ischemic stroke, carotid IMT was significantly correlated with increased serum levels of hs-CRP and fibrinogen (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). However association between serum homocysteine and carotid IMT was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Increased serum levels of hs-CRP and fibrinogen may be correlated with carotid IMT. Measurement of serum hs-CRP and fibrinogen may be helpful for predicting degrees of atherosclerosis in acute ischemic stroke.