Hypoalbuminemia in Mild Acute Stroke and Cognitive Impariment Post-stroke

This is a perspective stroke registry cohort study. Stroke patients were included if ：(1) acute first-ever ischemic stroke and admitted within 72 hours after onset; (2) clinical stroke diagnosis was confirmed with positive diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), those with isolated posterior circulations infarcts were exclude ; (3) presented with mild stroke severity ( admission NIHSS score ≤5); (4) age between 40 and 80 years.

Clinical data including demographic characteristics, risk factors, and baseline NIHSS score were assessed and collected using a standardized table by experienced neurologists. Lab tests were performed with fasting venous blood samples within 18 hours of admission.

Patients were followed up for 6 months. The cognitive functions were assessed using the Chinese version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).

Contributing factors to post-stroke cognitive impariment (PSCI) were determined by comparing clinical data between PSCI and non-PSCI groups. All potential confounders were introduced into the multivariate regression models.

Inclusion criteria

• acute first-ever ischemic stroke and admitted within 72 hours after onset;
• clinical stroke diagnosis was confirmed with positive diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), those with isolated posterior circulations infarcts were exclude ;
• presented with mild stroke severity ( admission NIHSS score ≤5);
• age between 40 and 80 years.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with index cognitive impairment or under current anti-dementia or psychiatric medication;
• patients with large infarcts (≥1/3 middle cerebral artery territory);
• patients with severe language or physical disability that impede neuropsychological testing;
• patients with recurrent transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke during follow-up;
• coexisting serious conditions known to impair cognitive function