The Predictive Value of Neurofilament Light Chain in Ischemic Stroke Severity and Short Term Outcome

Background: Ischemic stroke is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting the brain with negative impact on quality of life, daily activity of ischemic stroke survivors, their families and society. These topics are taking scholarly attention and may indicate to new paths for action in the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke so that they have better quality of life. Other studies about innovative diagnostic biomarkers of ischemic stroke are rare. We speculated that circulating neurofilament light chain level (NFLC) might be a novel biomarker relating to ischemic stroke. Methods: This study had been carried out in intensive care and stroke units on 141 patients who develop the first acute ischemic stroke within 24 hour of stroke onset, stroke severity was assessed using national institute of health stroke scale(NIHSS). Neurofilament light chain was measured in all cases and the post stroke outcome was evaluated by modified rankin scale(mRs). Results: After statistical treatment, Neurofilament light chain level was significantly correlated with severity of acute ischemic stroke. Higher NFLC, higher NIHSS and ischemic heart disease significantly independently increase risk of poor short term outcome. Conclusion: In a cohort of patients with ischemic stroke, NFLC is correlated with severity and poor short term outcome.