A study of human carcinoembryonic antigen as a biomarker for assessing the severity of stroke

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is widely used as a tumor marker. Striking similarities have been reported between process of tumor genesis and atherosclerotic diseases. CEA levels have also been associated with development of atherosclerosis; there are not many studies on the use of CEA as a biomarker in prognostication of stroke. This study was aimed at evaluating the role of CEA as a marker of severity and as a prognostic marker in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore. Sixty-eight individuals above 18 years of age were divided into two groups with 34 individuals each: Group A (ischemic stroke) and Group B (age- and sex-matched healthy controls). Exclusion criteria for Group A included diabetes mellitus, heavy smoking, and recent cerebrovascular or myocardial events. The blood sample was taken not later than 24 h of onset of stroke in Group A. CEA levels were estimated using double-sandwich ELISA method. CEA was compared in both the groups. Data were analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 21. Results: The mean standard error serum CEA levels in ischemic stroke patients (cases) and healthy controls were 5.67 ± 1.64 and 0.973 ± 0.21 ng/mL, respectively (P 7 ng/ml) group. The difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Patients with ischemic stroke have raised level of CEA. CEA is a promising novel biomarker for assessing the severity of acute ischemic stroke.