Decreased serum PCSK9 levels after ischaemic stroke predict worse outcomes

Background Soluble mediators have been investigated to predict the prognosis of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). Among them, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) might have both clinical and pathophysiological relevance. Materials and methods All available serum samples from a cohort of patients with first AIS (n = 72) were tested for PCSK9 and included in this substudy analysis. The primary endpoint investigated the predictive value of early PCSK9 level variations (DPCSK9) from AIS onset to day 7 or from day 1 to day 7, towards a 90-day outcome by modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The secondary endpoint explored the association between DPCSK9 and the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Results Decreased serum PCSK9 levels at days 1 and 7 were associated with poor clinical outcomes at day 90. At the cut-off point identified by ROC curve analysis (-61.28 ng/mL), DPCSK9 day 7-day 1 predicted a poor mRS at day 90 after AIS. DPCSK9 day 7-day 1 <= -61.28 ng/mL was associated with an increased rate of MACEs. Conclusion A decrease in PCSK9 levels was a predictor for poor outcome and increased MACEs after AIS. Additional studies targeting post-AIS PCSK9 levels and activity are required to clarify the prognostic and pathophysiological relevance of PCSK9 after AIS.