Abstract
This study evaluated the prognostic value of thyroid-related hormones within normal ranges after acute ischemic stroke. This was a retrospective study and we reviewed 1072 ischemic stroke patients consecutively admitted within 72 h after symptom onset. Total triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), free T3, free T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were assessed to determine their values for predicting functional outcome at the first follow-up clinic visits, which usually occurred 2 to 4 weeks after discharge from the hospital. 722 patients were finally included. On univariate analysis, poor functional outcome was associated with presence of atrial fibrillation as the index event. Furthermore, score of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), total T4, free T4, and C-reactive protein at admission were significantly higher in patients with poor functional outcome, whereas free T3 and total T3 were significantly lower. On multiple logistic regression analysis, lower total T3 concentrations remained independently associated with poor functional outcome [odds ratio (OR), 0.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01–0.84; P = 0.035]. The only other variables independently associated with poor functional outcome were NIHSS scores. In sum, lower total T3 concentrations that were within the normal ranges were independently associated with poor short-term outcomes.
Highlights
Post-stroke changes in levels of thyroid-related hormones have been reported [1, 2]
Inclusion criteria were (1) patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke by new focal neurological deficit with a corresponding lesion on magnetic resonance or delayed computer tomography scan, (2) patients admitted within 72 h after symptom onset, and (3) patients with thyroid function tests within 24 h of admission
On multiple logistic regression analysis, lower total T3 concentrations remained independently associated with poor functional outcome [odds ratio (OR), 0.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01–0.84; P = 0.035]
Summary
Post-stroke changes in levels of thyroid-related hormones have been reported [1, 2]. A reduction in serum triiodothyronine (T3) level without an elevation of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (i.e., low T3 syndrome) is a common complication in acute cerebrovascular disease setting [3] and reported to be associated with stroke severity and poor clinical outcomes [4,5,6,7]. The association was not confirmed by other studies [8, 9] It is unclear if, in ischemic stroke patients, lower T3 levels especially within the normal range on hospital admission provide valuable prognostic information. A better knowledge of this issue may be useful for risk stratification of ischemic stroke patients and, a better use of healthcare resources. The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the prognostic value of TSH, total T3, total thyroxine (T4), free T3, and free T4 within normal ranges in acute ischemic stroke patients
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
