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INTRODUCTION: Stroke by definition is a syndrome of rapidly developing clinical signs of focal
disturbance of cerebral function with symptoms lasting 24 hours or longer or leading to death with no
apparent cause other than vascular origin. Recent research has shown that an inflammatory reaction is
triggered within the hour in the brain tissue injured by an ischemic stroke and continues in the days
following the appearance of symptoms and that this reaction contributes to neuronal damage. Increased
CRP levels are accepted as a sensitive but non-specific marker of the acute inflammatory conditions. Aim
of the study: To study the hs CRP level in acute ischemic stroke and its association with short term
prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally 52 patients admitted within 48 hours of onset of first
ischemic stroke were included in the study. The detailed history regarding the risk factors like diabetes,
coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, smoking, and alcohol use were elicited from the
patient. Standard approved protocol was used for all patients to measure the hs-CRP level. Analysis was
done by Nephelometric method utilizing latex particles coated with CRP monoclonal antibodies.
CONCLUSION: The hs -CRP level is increased in all patients after acute ischemic stroke.The hs- CRP
level strongly correlates with short term outcome in patients after first ever ischemic stroke.
Keywords: Acute Ischemic Stroke, hs-CRP, Diabetes, coronary artery disease.