Link between interleukin-10 level and outcome after ischemic stroke

Objectives: The prognostic value of interleukin (IL)-10 in patients after acute ischemic stroke (IS) is not well understood. This study tested the hypothesis that serum levels of IL-10 are substantially increased after IS and predictive of IS outcome. Methods: Serum IL-10 levels were examined 48 h after acute IS in 135 consecutive patients, and in 20 healthy and 30 at-risk controls. Results: Mean serum IL-10 was significantly higher in IS patients than in both control groups (p < 0.0001, respectively). Additionally, serum IL-10 was significantly higher in patients with severe neurological impairment [defined as a score ≥12 on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)] than in patients with less severe neurological impairment (NIHSS score <12) 48 h after IS (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, higher serum IL-10 was strongly and independently correlated with severe neurological impairment (NIHSS ≥12) 48 h after acute IS (p < 0.0001), and independently predictive of combined major adverse clinical outcomes (defined as recurrent IS, any cause of death or NIHSS ≥12) on day 90 following IS (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Serum IL-10 is an independent prognosticator of IS outcome.