Early TNF-α levels correlate with ischaemic stroke severity

Authors: Zaremba, J.; Losy, J.

Source: Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, Volume 104, Number 5, November 2001 , pp. 288-295(8)

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Abstract:

Objectives- The study aimed to evaluate the levels of an important proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum in acute stroke and to study the relation between those and the neurological stroke severity and functional disability. Material and methods- The investigations comprised 23 ischaemic stroke patients. CSF and blood samples were obtained 24 h after the onset of stroke, and stored until analysis. Patients were examined according to Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) and to Barthel Index (BI). Results- The patients displayed statistically significant high levels of TNF-α in CSF and sera within the first 24 h of stroke. These correlated significantly with SSS and BI scores calculated within the same interval, and 1 and 2 weeks later. Conclusion- Our results suggest the involvement of TNF-α in mechanisms of early stroke-induced inflammation and a predictive value of the initial TNF-α levels for the outcome of stroke.

Keywords: TNF-alpha; CSF; serum; Scandinavian Stroke Scale; Barthel Index

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University School of Medicine, Poznan, Poland

Publication date: 2001-11-01