Abstract
Objective
Reports on neuroprotective effects of Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and Insulin-like
growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in ischemic brain tissue are inconsistent.
The aim of this study was to determine if plasma levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in acute
stroke patients are indicative of 3 months functional outcome.
Methods
Plasma levels were measured via chemiluminescence immunoassay in heparin blood samples
of patients included in the EARLY trial (NCT00562588). Plasma samples were drawn on
admission and 8 days post-stroke. Neurological deficits were assessed via modified
Rankin Scale (mRS) 3 months post-stroke, resulting in favorable (mRS=0–2) or unfavorable
(mRS=3–6) outcome. A multiple binary logistic regression including IGF-1 and IGFBP-3
levels and confounders was conducted.
Results
Out of 404 included patients, 89 patients had an unfavorable outcome. Mean mRS on
admission as well as 3 months post-stroke was 2 (±1). Low IGF-1 levels (day 8) were
independently associated with a decreased risk of an unfavorable outcome (OR 0.61;
95%CI 0.37–0.99; p=0.044). Low IGFBP-3 levels (day 8) were independently associated
with an unfavorable outcome (OR 2.75; 95%CI 1.56–4.84; p<0.001).
Interpretation
Low IGFBP-3 levels and high IGF-1 levels in the subacute phase are predictive of unfavorable
outcome 3 months after stroke.
Key words
neuroprotection - acute cerebral infarction - modified Rankin Scale