Abstract: Objective To explore the relationship of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), homocysteine (HCY) levels and the short-term outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods 189 patients with AIS were included. Serum Hs-CRP, HCY levels and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were assessed after admission. Short- term functional outcome was measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 90 d after admission. Results The serum Hs-CRP and HCY levels were significantly higher in AIS patients than in normal controls (P<0.001). Adjusting age and the NIHSS score, Hs-CRP and HCY were independent prognostic markers of functional outcome and death in patients with AIS. In receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, the prognostic accuracy of combined model (HCY and Hs-CRP) was higher than that of biomarkers measured alone and the NIHSS score. Conclusion Hs-CRP and HCY are independent predictors of short-term outcome and mortality after AIS. Combined model may provide additional general prognostic information.

Key words: acute ischemic stroke, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, homocysteine, prognosis, short-term