Biomarkers of plasticity and recovery after stroke: Insights from the PRACTISE trial.
Clin Neurol NeurosurgMay 16, 2026 (epub)
Mia Kolmos, Nina Vindegaard Sørensen, Karen Lind Gandrup et al.
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In 30 seconds
This multicenter randomized controlled trial explored the relationship between biomarkers of neuroplasticity and recovery in 24 patients with subacute ischemic stroke undergoing rehabilitation. The study found that increases in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were associated with less improvement in upper-extremity motor function (FMA-UE) from baseline to end-of-treatment (β = -0.75 ± 0.26, p = 0.01).
Key findings
- Increased hsCRP levels were linked to reduced FMA-UE improvement (β = -0.75 ± 0.26, p = 0.01).
- Four participants with major adverse cardiovascular events had high baseline hsCRP and Cathepsin-S levels.
- No significant associations were found between biomarkers and changes in cognition, depression, or quality of life.
Why it matters
Understanding the role of inflammatory biomarkers like hsCRP in post-stroke recovery can help clinicians identify patients at risk for poor outcomes and cardiovascular events, potentially guiding rehabilitation strategies.