NT-proBNP as a Prognostic Biomarker for Mortality in Ischemic Stroke: Insights from a Comprehensive Meta-Analysis

Background

Ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, presenting significant challenges in acute management and prognostication. Early identification of patients at elevated risk of mortality is essential to optimize clinical care and resource allocation. Among emerging biomarkers, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), traditionally used in cardiology to assess myocardial stress, has shown promise in predicting adverse outcomes after ischemic stroke. Its elevation potentially reflects underlying cardiac dysfunction or systemic stress responding to cerebral ischemia, providing an integrated measure of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular pathology.

Although prior individual studies have suggested NT-proBNP’s association with mortality risk, a comprehensive synthesis of its prognostic accuracy in ischemic stroke is needed to inform clinical application.