C-reactive protein as a universal prognosticator in hemorrhagic stroke: a meta-analysis of intracerebral and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Clin Chim ActaJun 24, 2026 (epub)
Chung-Hau Juan, Chen Lin, Zhaoyin Su et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis evaluated the prognostic value of admission C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Analyzing data from 30 studies involving 17,103 patients, the study found that elevated CRP levels were associated with poor outcomes, with an odds ratio of 1.22 (95% CI 1.12-1.32, P < 0.001).
Key findings
- Elevated CRP levels increased the odds of poor outcomes with an OR of 1.22 (95% CI 1.12-1.32, P < 0.001).
- The association between CRP and poor outcomes was consistent across ICH and SAH subtypes.
- CRP levels were linked to increased risks of functional disability, mortality, DCI, and CVS.
- Effect sizes were higher in multivariate models, with P for interaction = 0.0013.
Why it matters
Understanding the role of CRP as a prognostic marker can aid clinicians in early risk stratification for patients with hemorrhagic stroke, potentially guiding management decisions and resource allocation.