Zeitschrift für molekulare Biomarker und Diagnose

Unlocking the Secrets of Acute Ischemic Stroke: Insights from Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers

Abstract

Eva Campbell*

Acute ischemic stroke remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating the need for reliable diagnostic tools and accurate prognostication methods. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the potential of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) biomarkers to provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke. This abstract highlights the emerging research surrounding CSF biomarkers and their role in unlocking the secrets of acute ischemic stroke. By analyzing CSF samples, researchers have identified a variety of biomarkers that reflect different aspects of stroke pathophysiology, including inflammation, oxidative stress, neuronal injury, and blood-brain barrier disruption.

CSF biomarkers such as S100B, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE), and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) have shown promise in aiding the early diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke, enabling rapid intervention and potentially improving patient outcomes. These biomarkers can help differentiate ischemic stroke from other stroke mimics and provide information on stroke severity and the extent of brain damage. Moreover, CSF biomarkers have demonstrated prognostic value in acute ischemic stroke, allowing clinicians to predict patient outcomes, assess the risk of complications, and guide treatment decisions. Markers such as CSF lactate, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and glial markers have been associated with worse functional outcomes, increased mortality, and the development of secondary complications, aiding in the identification of high-risk patients who may benefit from aggressive management strategies.