STUDY ON THE CORRELATION BETWEEN SERUM CORTISOL AND STROKE SEVERITY

Abstract

Background: Elevated cortisol levels are linked to the pathophysiology of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and adverse outcomes in acute stroke patients, including greater stroke severity and poor prognoses. This study aims to clarify the role of cortisol as a biomarker in predicting stroke severity and outcomes. Methods: This observational study enrolled 80 patients presenting with symptoms of acute ischemic stroke within 72 hours of onset. Serum cortisol levels were measured the next day after admission using a high-sensitivity cortisol assay. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) upon admission. Descriptive statistics, Spearman's rho correlation analyses, and multivariable regression models were utilized to explore and adjust for potential confounders. Results: The study population had a balanced gender distribution, with an average age of 68 years. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were prevalent among 62.5% and 37.5% of the patients, respectively. The mean serum cortisol level was 18.2 µg/dL, with a range from 5 to 34 µg/dL. Notably, 40% of patients exhibited deranged cortisol levels. A significant positive correlation (Spearman’s rho = 0.62, p < 0.01) was found between cortisol levels and NIHSS scores, indicating higher cortisol levels in patients with more severe strokes. Regression analysis suggested that each unit increase in cortisol level is associated with a 0.75 increase in the NIHSS score (β = 0.75, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Serum cortisol levels significantly correlate with stroke severity, confirming cortisol's potential as a prognostic biomarker in acute ischemic stroke. This relationship could aid in early risk stratification and tailored treatment strategies in clinical settings. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to evaluate the predictive value of cortisol levels on long-term stroke outcomes and recovery..