Serum Uric Acid Levels and Their Role in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Study (Code-T0051)

Introduction: Acute ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Serum uric acid (SUA) has dual effects in stroke pathophysiology, acting both as a neuroprotective antioxidant and a pro-inflammatory agent.

Aim and Objectives:

Aim: To study association of serum uric acid level with outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Objectives

Primary Objective

1. To estimate serum uric acid levels in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
2. To correlate serum uric acid levels at admission with outcome using modified rankin scale and Barthel Index in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Secondary Objective

To correlate serum uric acid levels with the severity of acute ischemic stroke using NIHSS.

Methods: This prospective cohort study, conducted from May 2023 to November 2024, included patients aged 18–70 years presenting within 48 hours of symptom onset and diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke via CT/MRI. SUA levels were measured at admission. Stroke severity was assessed using NIHSS, while functional outcomes were evaluated using mRS and BI at discharge or death. Statistical analysis involved correlation coefficients, chi-square tests, and t-tests, with a significance level of p<0.05.

Results: Preliminary findings from a minimum cohort of 40 patients indicated a significant correlation between elevated SUA levels and poorer functional outcomes (mRS>2). Higher SUA levels also demonstrated a positive correlation with greater stroke severity as measured by NIHSS.

Conclusion: Elevated serum uric acid levels may predict worse outcomes and greater stroke severity in patients with acute ischemic stroke. SUA measurement could serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker in acute ischemic stroke management.

Keywords: Acute ischemic stroke, serum uric acid, Modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, NIH Stroke Scale, stroke outcomes.