Elevated Plasma Haptoglobin Level as a Potential Marker for Poor Prognosis in Acute Cerebral Infarction

Background: Relationship between peripheral circulation concentration of haptoglobin (Hp) and risk of cerebrovascular disease has not been well investigated so far. The aim of the study was to reveal the prognostic significance of Hp on acute cerebral infarction.

Methods: A total of 200 patients with acute cerebral infarction and 200 controls were included. Research data were collected from their medical records. Blood samples were obtained on admission. Hp phenotyping was performed using a native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Plasma Hp levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The patients were followed up yearly, and endpoint was overall death.

Results: Plasma levels of Hp were significantly elevated in the patients than in the controls (p < 0.001). Three-year overall death in the follow-up period was associated with the high plasma level of Hp (Hazard ratio [HR] 2.33, 95% CI 1.74-3.12). But, 3-year overall death was not related to Hp phenotyping (Hp 2-1 vs. 1-1: HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.66-1.73; Hp 2-2 vs. 1-1: HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.67-1.74).

Conclusion: Peripheral circulation concentration of Hp might be an independent prognostic factor for acute cerebral infarction. But there was no relationship between Hp phenotyping and prognosis in this disease.