Context: High Sensitivity C–reactive protein (hs–CRP) is an indicator of underlying systemic inflammation and a novel plasma marker for atherothrombotic disease. The use of hs–CRP in clinical practice is rapidly expanding, particularly in the areas of cardio & cerebrovascular risk stratification and disease management which are major health concerns in India.

Aims:  To study the association of hs–CRP levels in patients of acute ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke and its correlation with severity of stroke.

Settings and Design: Prospective single arm observational study.

Methods and Material:

52 patients aged >25, within first 24 hours of the onset of 1st Cerebrovascular (CVA) event were included. Nephelometry was used to obtain hs CRP levels; stroke severity was assessed by Glasgow coma scale (GCS).

Results: There was male predominant presentation of stroke with sex ratio of 1.89:1. Mean age was 58 years. Among 52 patients, 40 (76.93%) were of ischemic stroke and 12 (23.07%) were of haemorrhagic stroke. Most common presentation was left hemiparesis.  hs CRP levels were significantly higher in ischemic stroke.Conclusions: hs–CRP levels were significantly higher in ischemic stroke vshaemorrhagic stroke. It showed a positive correlation with the severity of Ischemic Stroke.