Abstract

Background: The objective of this study is to assess the role of serum calcium and its significance as a prognostic marker in acute ischemic stroke.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study done over a period of 8 months in the department of General Medicine, King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam from January 2020 to August 2020. A total of 75 patients admitted in the ward with CT confirmed ischemic stroke were included in the study

Results: Low blood calcium levels occurred in patients with age >60 years consistently compared to patients with age <60 years among ischemic stroke patients. Low blood calcium levels occurred in female patients consistently compared to male patients among ischemic stroke patients. Low blood calcium levels occurred in diabetes mellitus patients consistently compared to non-diabetes mellitus patients among ischemic stroke patients. Low blood calcium levels occurred in patients with NIHSS score (Severe Stroke category (21-41)) significantly (p<0.05) compared to patients with NIHSS score (Minor Stroke category (1-4)) among ischemic stroke patients. Low blood calcium levels occurred in patients with poor outcome status as per MRS significantly (p<0.05) compared to patients with good outcome status as per MRS among ischemic stroke patients.

Conclusion: We conclude that serum calcium levels have strong correlation with severity and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients and hence it can be taken as a marker prognostic significance in these patients.

Keywords: Serum calcium, Acute ischemic stroke, Prognostic factor.