Study of Serum Albumin as a Predictor of Short-Term Functional Outcome in Acute Ischaemic Stroke

Abstract

BACKGROUND Stroke or cerebrovascular accident is a life-threatening neurological disorder comprising more than 50% of admissions in a hospital. Identification of predictors of mortality, especially modifiable ones is vital so that prompt therapeutic measures can be instituted to improve outcome. This study has been undertaken with the intention to determine the association if any between serum albumin and the severity as well as the short-term outcome of acute ischaemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS This observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India over a period of 1 year. The study population comprised of 100 patients who got admitted in medical wards with first ever acute ischaemic stroke within 72 hours of onset of symptoms. Stroke severity at admission was graded using the Scandinavian Stroke Scale and functional status on 7th day was assessed using Modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS The mean age of the study population was 58.44 ± 14.42 years. A significant association was observed between serum albumin and severity of stroke at presentation. A strong negative correlation was found between serum albumin at admission and MRS score, indicating a strong association between serum albumin and the functional outcome at 7 days. There was also significant association between the severity of stroke at admission and the functional outcome at 7 days. CONCLUSION The study found that the severity of stroke at onset had a definite association with outcome and serum albumin influences both stroke severity and outcome.

Serum albumin level as prognostic indicator of acute ischemic stroke in tertiary care hospital admitted patients

“…Most of the patients those who presented with convulsion had poor outcome and expired which is comparable to other studies like Reeta et al and Gaurav et al study. 15,16 Omkar Prasad Baidya et al in their study reported 84% patients with motor weakness which is consistent with this study. 17 Mean age of patients with poor outcome at 1 week postadmission was found to be 68 years in this study which is significant according to statistical analysis.…”

“…Diabetes mellitus and HTN were the most common risk factors observed in this study which is supported by other studies like Reeta et al, and Gaurav et al, study. 15,16 Most of the patients in this study presented with focal neurological deficit of motor weakness in 85% patients, 18% with slurring of speech, 16% headache,7% head reeling, 9% altered sensorium and 9% with convulsions. Most of the patients those who presented with convulsion had poor outcome and expired which is comparable to other studies like Reeta et al and Gaurav et al study.…”

Ischemic Stroke Outcome Predicted by Serum Albumin Levels

“…A recent study by Babu et al [ 12 ] found that serum albumin has a substantial impact on both the severity and prognosis of strokes. In a later investigation by James et al [ 13 ], researchers found a significant correlation between the levels of serum albumin and the results of rapid functional evaluations. For comparison, these studies did not evaluate blood albumin levels or functional outcomes in the third month.…”

Acute Ischemic Stroke;

“…1 Vascular occlusion of brain artery is caused by thrombo-embolic phenomena. 1,2 Brain ischemia is commoner than brain haemorrhage. Brain ischemic stroke accounts for a large number morbidity form muscle paralysis and also the mortality.…”

“…In developing the brain stroke accounts for mortality but ranks as sixth leading cause. 2 Timely institution of drug therapy helps decrease morbidity and mortality and improves the clinical prognosis and patient outcome. Neuroimaging is available one of easy and reliable method of diagnosing the AIS, but it is costly.…”