Higher Serum Total Cholesterol Levels are Associated With Better Long-Term Balance Function After First-Time Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Background: To investigate the effects of serum total cholesterol (TC) on long-term balance function in patients with first-time ischemic stroke.

Methods: A total of 99 patients with first-time ischemic stroke were enrolled. The participants were divided into two groups according to TC levels: high TC (greater than or equal to 5.17 mmol/L) and low TC (< 5.17 mmol/L). Balance function was measured using the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS) at 2 weeks (baseline) and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after stroke. Prognostic factors affecting the repeated measurements of the PASS score were evaluated using linear mixed regression analysis.

Results: TC levels, baseline PASS score, age, sex, and follow-up time were identified as significant prognostic factors of the long-term PASS score. The high TC group had higher PASS scores (estimated parameter 1.57, 95% CI: 0.58, 2.55) than the low TC group. An increase of one unit in the baseline PASS score led to a 0.65 unit increase (95% CI: 0.61, 0.70) in subsequent PASS scores. Age was negatively correlated with the PASS scores, with a 0.12 unit decrease (95% CI: -0.16, -0.07) for a 1 year increase in age. Women had PASS scores that were 2.63 units lower (95% CI: -3.70, -1.57) than men.

Conclusions: Higher serum TC levels measured during the acute stage of first-time ischemic stroke are a favorable prognostic factor for long-term balance function.

J Neurol Res. 2012;2(4):145-151
doi: https://doi.org/10.4021/jnr130w