Serum Calcium Level in acute Ischaemic Stroke and its Association with Clinical Severity

Abstract

Background: Worldwide acute ischemic stroke is a major Public health problem. Calcium (Ca2+) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic cell damage. Therefore this was undertaken to see the association of some biochemical risk factors of ASI in Bangladesh.

Objective: To assess the association between Serum calcium level in acute ischemic stroke. Material and Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was performed among 100 patients of acute ischaemic stroke who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The Study was done from June, 2013 to December, 2013 in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. After hospitalization presenting complaints, physical findings of the patients were recorded. Severity of stroke was measured by NIHSS scale. Serum calcium level of every patient was measured. Calcium level was divided into 3 groups by weighted average. Statistical analysis was carried out by non-parametric (kruskalwallis) test.

Results: Among the 100 patients 59% were male. Among all patients 57% of patients were found to be smoker (98% male, 2% female). Among all patients 63% patients were found hypertensive and 21% were diabetic. Mean cholesterol level was 257.98mg/dl with standard deviation 55.49 which is above the reference range suggesting hypercholesterolemia, Triglyceride was borderline and LDL cholesterol was slightly higher and HDL cholesterol was slightly lower. Calcium level was divided into 3 groups and NIHSS score was calculated for every patient in each groups. The median NIHSS score for group1 (calcium level d”8.8 mg/dl) was 9(2-20), for group 2 (calcium level 8.9-9.6 mg/dl) was 6 (1-17) and for group 3 (calcium level e”9.7mg/dl) was 4 (1-16).

Conclusion: In conclusion, low serum calcium level is significantly associated with increased sevrity of acute ischemic stroke. So, general community should be made aware about these risk factors of stroke and regular assessment of serum calcium in acute ischaemic stroke should be done which may help to reduce the morbidity which may reduce the morbidity of ischemic stroke.