Inflammatory Biomarkers as Predictors of Stroke Severity and Outcome: A Narrative Review
Obiageri Ihuarulam Okeoma
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
Oyinlade Cecilia Ogundare
Department of Chemical Sciences, College of Basic Science, Lagos State University of Science and Technology, Ikorodu, Nigeria.
Augustine Uchenna Okoh
Department of Family Medicine, Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Josephine Chinyere Ikebudu
Department of Surgery, Lagos State Health Service Commission-Orile Agege General Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.
Uchechukwu Bethel Abioke
*
Department of Physiotherapy, Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Each year, nearly 12 million people suffer a stroke worldwide, resulting in over 7 million deaths, and approximately one in four adults is predicted to experience a stroke in their lifetime. Despite advances in acute stroke care and rehabilitation, stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability. Inflammation plays a key role in stroke pathophysiology, influencing severity and recovery, and specific inflammatory biomarkers are increasingly recognized as potential indicators of patient outcomes.
Objective: This narrative review examines the role of inflammatory biomarkers in relation to stroke severity and long-term outcomes.
Methods: We conducted a narrative review of published studies on inflammatory biomarkers in stroke. Relevant articles were identified through searches of PubMed, Google Scholar, Dimensions, and Web of Science from January 2000 to December 2025. Studies were included based on relevance to stroke severity, prognosis, and biomarker assessment, encompassing both observational and experimental research. The narrative approach was used to qualitatively summarize findings, highlight methodological gaps, and propose directions for future research.
Results: Elevated inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), CLEC4G, CKAP4, LY75, and ITGA11, have been associated with greater stroke severity, higher risk of complications, and poorer functional recovery. Composite indices and longitudinal biomarker profiling provide additional insight into the dynamics of post-stroke inflammation, supporting early risk stratification. Key gaps remain, including lack of standardization in biomarker measurement and potential confounding factors, which limit clinical translation.
Conclusion: Inflammatory biomarkers show promise as indicators of stroke severity and prognosis. While they may help guide risk assessment and inform future targeted interventions, further validation is needed before routine clinical implementation.
Keywords: Stroke, biomarkers, C-reactive protein, Interleukin-6, Interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, prognosis