Ischemic stroke (IS) exhibits significant heterogeneity in terms of etiology and pathophysiology. Several recent studies highlight the significance of inflammation in the onset and progression of IS. White blood cell subtypes, such as neutrophils and monocytes, participate in the inflammatory response in various ways. On the other hand, high-density lipoproteins (HDL) exhibit substantial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Consequently, novel inflammatory blood biomarkers have emerged, such as neutrophil to HDL ratio (NHR) and monocyte to HDL ratio (MHR). Literature research of two databases (MEDLINE and Scopus) was conducted to identify all relevant studies published between 1 January 2012 and 30 November 2022 dealing with NHR and MHR as biomarkers for IS prognosis. Only full-text articles published in the English language were included. Thirteen articles have been traced and are included in the present review. Our findings highlight the utility of NHR and MHR as novel stroke prognostic biomarkers, the widespread application, and the calculation of which, along with their inexpensive cost, make their clinical application extremely promising.

Stroke represents a major cause of mortality and long-term disability among adult populations, leaving a devastating socioeconomic impact globally. Clinical manifestation of stroke is characterized by great diversity, ranging from minor disability to considerable neurological impairment interfering with activities of daily living and even death. Prognostic ambiguity has stimulated the interest for implementing stroke recovery biomarkers, including those provided by structural neuroimaging techniques, i.e., diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography for the study of white matter (WM) integrity. Considering the necessity of prompt and accurate prognosis in stroke survivors along with the potential capacity of DTI as a relevant imaging biomarker, the purpose of our study was to review the pertinent literature published within the last decade regarding DTI as a prognostic tool for recovery in acute and hyperacute stroke. We conducted a thorough literature search in two databases (MEDLINE and Science Direct) in order to trace all relevant studies published between 1 January 2012 and 16 March 2022 using predefined terms as key words. Only full-text human studies published in the English language were included. Forty-four studies were identified and are included in this review. We present main findings and by describing several methodological issues, we highlight shortcomings and gaps in the current literature so that research priorities for future research can be outlined. Our review suggests that DTI can track longitudinal changes and identify prognostic correlates in acute and hyperacute stroke patients.

Stroke has become the first cause of functional disability and one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to develop accurate biomarkers to assess stroke risk and prognosis. Emerging evidence suggests that neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) levels may serve as a valuable biomarker to predict stroke occurrence and functional outcome. NETs are known to create a procoagulant state by serving as a scaffold for tissue factor (TF) and platelets inducing thrombosis by activating coagulation pathways and endothelium. A literature search was conducted in two databases (MEDLINE and Scopus) to trace all relevant studies published between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2022, addressing the potential utility of NETs as a stroke biomarker. Only full-text articles in English were included. The current review includes thirty-three papers. Elevated NET levels in plasma and thrombi seem to be associated with increased mortality and worse functional outcomes in stroke, with all acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage included. Additionally, higher NET levels seem to correlate with worse outcomes after recanalization therapies and are more frequently found in strokes of cardioembolic or cryptogenic origin. Additionally, total neutrophil count in plasma seems also to correlate with stroke severity. Overall, NETs may be a promising predictive tool to assess stroke severity, functional outcome, and response to recanalization therapies.

Stroke constitutes the primary source of adult functional disability, exhibiting a paramount socioeconomic burden. Thus, it is of great importance that the prediction of stroke outcome be both prompt and accurate. Although modern neuroimaging and neurophysiological techniques are accessible, easily available blood biomarkers reflecting underlying stroke-related pathophysiological processes, including glial and/or neuronal death, neuroendocrine responses, inflammation, increased oxidative stress, blood–brain barrier disruption, endothelial dysfunction, and hemostasis, are required in order to facilitate stroke prognosis. A literature search of two databases (MEDLINE and Science Direct) was conducted in order to trace all relevant studies published between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2021 that focused on the clinical utility of brain natriuretic peptide, glial fibrillary acidic protein, the red cell distribution width, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and aquaporin-4 as prognostic tools in stroke survivors. Only full-text articles published in English were included. Twenty-eight articles were identified and are included in this review. All studied blood-derived biomarkers proved to be valuable prognostic tools poststroke, the clinical implementation of which may accurately predict the survivors’ functional outcomes, thus significantly enhancing the rehabilitation efficiency of stroke patients. Along with already utilized clinical, neurophysiological, and neuroimaging biomarkers, a blood-derived multi-biomarker panel is proposed as a reasonable approach to enhance the predictive power of stroke prognostic models.

Stroke survivors are at increased risk of developing depression and cognitive decline. Thus, it is crucial for both clinicians and stroke survivors to be provided with timely and accurate prognostication of post-stroke depression (PSD) and post-stroke dementia (PSDem). Several biomarkers regarding stroke patients’ propensity to develop PSD and PSDem have been implemented so far, leukoaraiosis (LA) being among them. The purpose of the present study was to review all available work published within the last decade dealing with pre-existing LA as a predictor of depression (PSD) and cognitive dysfunction (cognitive impairment or PSDem) in stroke patients. A literature search of two databases (MEDLINE and Scopus) was conducted to identify all relevant studies published between 1 January 2012 and 25 June 2022 that dealt with the clinical utility of preexisting LA as a prognostic indicator of PSD and PSDem/cognitive impairment. Only full-text articles published in the English language were included. Thirty-four articles were traced and are included in the present review. LA burden, serving as a surrogate marker of “brain frailty” among stroke patients, appears to be able to offer significant information about the possibility of developing PSD or cognitive dysfunction. Determining the extent of pre-existing white matter abnormalities can properly guide decision making in acute stroke settings, as a greater degree of such lesioning is usually coupled with neuropsychiatric aftermaths, such as PSD and PSDem.

The purpose of the present study was to review all available work published within the last decade focusing on coping strategies in stroke caregivers and their impact on quality of Life (QoL) and psycho-emotional status. A literature search of two databases (MEDLINE, Scopus) was conducted to identify all relevant full-text English studies published between 2013–2023. Sixteen articles were traced and were finally included. Cognitive and behavioral coping strategies were beneficial for stroke caregivers’ and survivors’ QoL. The level of mutuality in the caregiver-survivor relationship was associated with the impact of depressive symptoms on caregivers’ QoL and the protective effect of mutuality on survivors’ QoL over time. The level and quality of social support were positively associated with QoL for stroke caregivers and survivors. Caregivers’ preparedness was a moderator for the impact of depression on both caregivers’ and survivors’ QoL. High levels of spirituality had a significant role in ameliorating the negative impact of depressive symptoms on the psychological and physical QoL of stroke caregivers and survivors. In conclusion, the study of coping strategies can be used as a psychological reserve in the process of stroke rehabilitation and actively contribute to improving the QoL of both caregivers and stroke survivors.