Serum myeloperoxidase concentrations for outcome prediction in acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress is related to brain injury after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a potent oxidizing enzyme. We tested the hypothesis that serum MPO concentrations are increased after ICH and they correlate with stroke severity and outcome.

METHODS

Serum MPO concentrations were measured in 128 ICH patients and 128 controls. Odds ratios of dependent variables, including early neurological deterioration, hematoma growth, 1-week mortality, 6-month mortality, 6-month unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score > 2) and 6-month overall survival, were calculated and adjusted for age, sex, hematoma volume, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and vascular risk factors.

RESULTS

As compared to the controls, the patients had significantly increased serum MPO concentrations. MPO concentrations of the ICH patients were strongly correlated with hematoma volume and NIHSS scores. Serum MPO were independently associated with the above-mentioned study points. Its area under receiver operating characteristic curve was equivalent to those of hematoma volume and NIHSS score. Moreover, serum MPO significantly improved the discriminatory ability of hematoma and NIHSS in predicting 6-month mortality and unfavorable outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum MPO concentrations rise in ICH patients and there is a correlation between MPO concentrations and severity or prognosis.