Rationale

According to literature, the inflammatory response and platelets are associated with coronary heart disease mortality. In this study, we examine if similar relationships exist after acute cerebral infarctions.

Design

Between 2005 and 2007, individuals (n = 61) hospitalized with acute stroke were investigated 2.1 ± .3 (SD) days after hospital admission. After 9.3 ± .7 (SD) years, 29 patients (age 79 ± 8 [SD]; 12 women) had died. They were compared with survivors (age 69 ± 9 [SD]; 9 women) with respect to inflammatory parameters and platelet features such as activity and reactivity.

Results and conclusion

Inflammation and platelets at the acute event do not forecast long-term survival of stroke sufferers