BACKGROUND
Acute ischemic stroke affects a large number of people each year around the world. However, accurately predicting clinical outcome is still difficult.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this cohort study was to explore the relationship between serum neurofilament light (NfL) concentration and clinical outcomes in these patients.
METHODS
A total of 820 patients with acute ischemic stroke were retrospectively enrolled between January 2012 and June 2017. Changes in patients' conditions, imaging data and other necessary information were obtained from their medical records. Blood samples were collected several times during the first two weeks of admission. Serum NfL levels were measured using a commercial Simoa NfL assay. In 6-month follow-up period, daily activity and cognitive function were assessed using modified Rankin Scale and Mini-mental State Examination.
RESULTS
Serum NfL levels gradually increased after the disease onset and peaked on the 7th day of admission. The elevated levels of peak NfL were roughly associated with the increased risk of poor daily activity function (OR: 2.92, 95%CI: 1.66 - 5.13), poor cognitive function (OR: 1.54, 95%CI: 1.03 - 2.29; OR: 1.66, 95%CI: 1.11 - 2.47; OR: 1.55, 95%CI: 1.03 - 2.37) and greater cognitive decline during the follow-up period (OR: 2.38, 95%CI: 1.07 - 5.26; OR: 1.99, 95%CI: 1.01 - 3.97). However, baseline serum NfL levels did not have similar prognostic significance.
CONCLUSIONS
Elevated peak concentration of NfL in serum predicts poor daily activity performance and cognitive function decline, and might be a prognostic biomarker for acute ischemic stroke.
CLINICALTRIAL
None.