and Purpose-The prognostic influences of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and their relations in ischemic stroke have not been well described. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the 1-year prognostic influences of fibrinogen and CRP levels on outcome in ischemic stroke. Methods-Fibrinogen and CRP were determined within 24 hours after stroke and related to 1-year outcome in 128 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. The Kaplan-Meier technique was applied in

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... ival analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between risk factors and outcome. Results-The probabilities of death or new vascular event were 21.1%, 27.9%, and 51.7% (Pϭ0.0172, 2 for trend), respectively, in patients stratified by tertiles of fibrinogen (Ͻ3.78, 3.78 to 6.17, and Ͼ6.17 g/L). The probabilities of a primary end point were 12.1%, 29.7%, and 54.8% (Pϭ0.0004), respectively, after stratification of patient data by tertiles of CRP level (Ͻ5, 5 to 33, and Ͼ33 mg/L). In multiple logistic regression analysis, higher CRP levels (odds ratio, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.28 to 4.49; Pϭ0.0066) and stroke severity on the Canadian Neurological Stroke Scale (odds ratio, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.01 to 5.58; Pϭ0.0472) were independently associated with death or new vascular event. Conclusions-Increased levels of CRP are associated with a worse outcome in patients with ischemic stroke. The increased risk associated with elevated CRP levels is independent of the prognostic influence of fibrinogen. (Stroke. 2001;32:133-138.)