July 2026, Volume 4, Issue 7

Author

Sudharsanan V, Prabhu Shankar S and Ramya N

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with ischemic stroke accounting for the majority of cases. Serum ferritin, an iron-storage protein and acute-phase reactant, has been implicated in inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which play important roles in ischemic brain injury. This study was conducted to assess the association between serum ferritin levels and stroke severity among participants with acute ischemic stroke, using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 106 participants with acute ischemic stroke admitted to a tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants aged more than 45 years, presenting within 48 hours of stroke onset and confirmed by neuroimaging, were included. After obtaining informed consent, demographic details, clinical history, vascular and lifestyle-related risk factors, and laboratory parameters were recorded. Stroke severity was assessed using the NIHSS score. Results: The majority of participants were males and belonged to the 51-70 years age group. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and alcohol consumption were common risk factors. Most participants had moderately severe neurological impairment based on NIHSS classification. Serum ferritin levels increased significantly with increasing stroke severity (p < 0.001). Higher serum ferritin levels and NIHSS scores were significantly associated with smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. Conclusion: Elevated serum ferritin levels were significantly associated with increased stroke severity in acute ischemic stroke. Serum ferritin may serve as a useful biomarker of stroke severity and inflammatory burden.