Inflammation and activation of the neuroendocrine systems comprise important aspects of stroke pathophysiology. The present study investigated whether baseline plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cortisol and copeptin levels on admission can predict short-term outcomes and mortality after acute ischaemic stroke. The study group consisted of 189 patients who had their first acute ischaemic stroke. Plasma levels of BNP, NT-proBNP, cortisol and copeptin were evaluated to determine their value with respect to predicting functional outcome and mortality within 3 months. As a result of cardiovascular and neurological investigations (including imaging techniques), lesion size, stroke subtype classification and clinical outcome after 3 months were determined. Plasma levels of BNP, NT-proBNP, cortisol and copeptin were associated with stroke severity, as well as short-term functional outcomes. After adjusting for all other significant outcome predictors, NT-proBNP, cortisol and copeptin remained as independent outcome predictors. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the biomarker panel (including BNP, NT-proBNP, cortisol and copeptin) predicted functional outcome and death within 90 days significantly more efficiently than the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or the biomarker alone. Copeptin showed a significantly greater discriminatory ability as a single biomarker compared to BNP, NT-proBNP, cortisol and NIHSS score. These results suggest that a biomarker panel may add valuable and time-sensitive prognostic information in the early evaluation of acute ischaemic stroke. This may provide a channel for interventional therapy in acute stroke.

Low vitamin D levels have been reported to contribute to the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality, especially stroke. In the present study we therefore evaluated the short-term prognostic value of serum 25(OH)D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) in Chinese patients with AIS (acute ischaemic stroke). From February 2010 to September 2012, consecutive stroke patients admitted to the emergency department at two hospitals in Beijing, China were identified. Clinical information was collected, and the serum concentration of 25(OH)D and NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) were measured at the time of admission. Short-term functional outcome was measured using a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days after admission. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models. During the inclusion period, 231 patients were diagnosed as having AIS, and 220 completed follow-up. The median serum 25(OH)D level was significantly lower in patients with AIS compared with normal controls [14.2 (10.2-18.9) ng/ml compared with 17.9 (12.5-22.9) ng/ml; P<0.001; values are medians (interquartile range)]. 25(OH)D was an independent prognostic marker of short-term functional outcome and death {0.79 (0.73-0.85) and 0.70 (0.50-0.98) respectively [values are odds rations (95% confidence intervals)]; P<0.01 for both, adjusted for NHISS, other predictors and vascular risk factors} in patients with AIS. In ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis, the prognostic accuracy of 25(OH)D was higher compared with all of the other serum predictors and was in the range of NIHSS score. In conclusion, these findings suggest that 25(OH)D is an independent prognostic marker for death and functional outcome within 90 days in Chinese patients with AIS even after adjusting for possible confounding factors.

Stroke is the third leading cause of long-term disability. Effective stroke rehabilitation should be provided to patients with a moderate or severe stroke so as to achieve functional recovery. Also, stroke rehabilitation is moving towards more intense therapy models that incorporate technologies such as robotics and computer games. Evidence-based guidelines are useful for promoting the best possible clinical practices. This guideline summarises the modes of stroke rehabilitation in China—three-stage rehabilitation network, rehabilitation of stroke dysfunction, training for activities of daily living, stroke complications and rehabilitation care. The aim of this guideline was to provide a synopsis of best clinical practices in the stroke rehabilitation of adult patients in China.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and HCY are independent predictors of short-term outcome and mortality after AIS. The combined model may provide additional general prognostic information.

Data show that FABP4 is a novel independent prognostic marker improving the currently used risk stratification of stroke patients.