Serum Cortisol Level as a Biomarker in Predicting the Severity of Stroke

Abstract

Background: A number of clinical and radiological indicators can reliably detect the prognosis of a stroke. Improved biomarkers for predicting prognosis in acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke are still elusive.
Aims and Objective: The present study was aimed to observe whether serum cortisol acts a biomarker in predicting the severity of stroke.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study performed among 50 patients with ischemic in Group A and 50 patients with hemorrhagic stroke in Group B. The random serum cortisol of these patients was compared with the NIHHS score.
Results: Incidence of hypertension was significantly higher in group B than group A (72% vs. 38%; P<0.0001). Both systolic and diastolic BP were significantly higher in group B in comparison to group A (P<0.001). Severity of stroke was significantly higher in group B in comparison to group A (P<0.001). Mean cortisol levels were significantly more in group B in comparison to group A (P<0.001). Also, a statistically significant correlation with raised serum cortisol levels and the severity of stroke irrespective of type of stroke was observed.
Conclusion: The study revealed that serum cortisol can be used as a biomarker for the prediction of severity of stroke.