Stroke associated infection (within the first seven days) occurs in approximately half of stroke patients and is associated with a worse prognosis, especially in the elderly. It is uncertain what factors predict stroke associated infection, yet identification of a suitable biomarker for infection may allow early and appropriate intervention with antibiotics. The aims of this study were to: a) identify independent risk factors for stroke associated infection, and b) test relationships between these risk factors and mortality at 2 years.Eight-two elderly patients were assessed within 72 h of stroke. Data on stroke severity (Barthel Index), stroke associated infection and mortality at 2 years were collected. Inflammatory biomarkers at baseline and 6 months were measured by ELISA. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for stroke associated infection and death.Patients with stroke associated infection, especially pneumonia, had increased IL-6, more severe strokes, and higher mortality. IL-6 was independently associated with stroke associated infection (OR = 19.2, [95

作者：Joseph, Kwan；Gill, Horsfield；Timothy, Bryant；Mary, Gawne-Cain；Giles, Durward；Christopher D, Byrne；Nicola A, Englyst

来源：Experimental gerontology 2013 年 48卷 9期