The study of serum sex hormones and bone mineral density for predicting prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Introduction: Ischemic stroke is a significant health burden in India, warranting investigation into sex hormone involvement. While low testosterone associates with atherosclerosis progression, estradiol’s effects on stroke outcomes remain inconclusive. Despite progesterone’s neuroprotective potential, understanding of the interplay between endogenous progesterone, estradiol, and stroke is limited. This study aimed to explore serum sex hormone levels that influence on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) prognosis, providing insights into potential therapeutic approaches. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study included 80 patients with AIS admitted to the Neurology Department of Government Medical College, Kota, from June to December 2022. Demographic data and serum sex hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol, progesterone) were collected. Additionally, bone mineral density (BMD) was recorded during the hospital stay. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics is a statistical software suite developed by IBM. Version 22 has been used. Results: Among 80 patients, 76 were discharged, with 81.58% achieving a favorable outcome (modified rankin score [mRS] 0–2) at 3 months. Serum testosterone inversely correlated with mRS at 3 months in both genders ( r = -0.771, −0.705; P < 0.05). Estradiol did not significantly correlate with mRS in either gender. However, in women, serum progesterone moderately and significantly correlated with mRS at 3 months ( r = v0.480; P < 0.05). Higher BMD was associated with improved functional outcomes. Conclusion: Serum testosterone inversely correlated with mRS scores in men and women, suggesting a prognostic role. Serum estradiol had no significant correlation, but serum progesterone showed a moderate negative correlation with mRS scores in women. Higher BMD was linked to better functional outcomes. These findings advance our understanding of sex hormones with stroke prognosis, prompting further research and potential therapies.