A STUDY OF SERUM FERRITIN LEVEL IN PATIENTS OF STROKE AS A PROGNOSTIC MARKER

Abstract

Background: Stroke/cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the second most common cause of mortality after coronary artery disease (CAD). Amongst all neurological diseases, stroke ranks first in frequency and importance. In India, the scenario is no different, its incidence and prevalence are on a steady rise. To evaluate the concentration of serum ferritin in patients of acute stroke as a prognostic marker.

Methods: This was a hospital based observational and cross sectional study conducted on 60 cases of acute stroke as per seed article having minimum difference of mean (f ferritin level) 365 and 145.43 for 80% power and 0.05 alpha error.

Results: Out of 34 cases of haemorrhagic cases 13 cases mortality was observed while 14 cases had deteriorated outcome and 15 cases improved. Mean serum ferritin of dead, deteriorate and improved haemorrhagic cases was 1169±114.28, 723.07±88.07 and 107.43±26.80. Serum ferritin level was abnormal [raised] in all 22[36%] death cases and 24[40%] cases who had deteriorate.

Conclusion: Elevated serum ferritin is strongly associated with early neurological deterioration in patients of stroke and is a definite poor prognostic marker of acute stroke [ ischemic or haemorrhagic] an elevated serum ferritin (A marker of iron stores) herald more intensive management protocols and care for the patient as it can predict early neurological deterioration. Iron chelation therapy in acute stroke seems to be a strong theoretical possibility and further studies are required to investigate its role in treatment of stroke.

Keywords: Stroke, Prognostic Marker, Elevated serum ferritin