The effect of serum albumin level of acute phase on functional outcome in ischemic stroke patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of serum albumin level measured during the acute phase of stroke on functional outcome in ischemic stroke patients. We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 76 first-ever unilateral ischemic stroke patients. The patients were classified into hypoalbuminemia group (serum albumin level <3.0 g/dL) and normoalbuminemia group (>= 3.0 g/dL) based on serum albumin level measured within 24 hours after stroke onset. Functional outcome scales were measured at 3 days and 3 months after stroke onset in both groups. All functional outcome scales changed significantly at 3 months after stroke onset in both groups. However, the difference of functional outcome scales was significantly higher in normoalbuminemia group. Serum albumin level measured during the acute phase of stroke was significantly associated with functional outcome in ischemic stroke patients.