Kosin Med J.  2011 Dec;26(2):149-154.

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

• Lee WG
• Kim K

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.

Keyword

Acute ischemic stroke; Carotid intima-media thickness; Fibrinogen; High sensitivity C-reactive protein; Homocysteine

MeSH Terms

Atherosclerosis
C-Reactive Protein
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Cerebral Infarction
Fibrinogen
Homocysteine
Humans
Immunoassay
Luminescence
Stroke
C-Reactive Protein
Fibrinogen
Homocysteine