Prognostic value of the C-reactive protein to albumin ratio in patients with stroke: a meta-analysis

Stroke poses a significant mortality threat and frequently results in survivors experiencing varying degrees of residual disability. The objective of this meta-analysis was to elucidate the association between C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) and prognosis in patients with stroke. We searched the databases of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and CNKI for relevant studies up to 26th January 2024. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS). Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the association between CAR and poor functional outcomes and mortality. A total of nine studies with 2954 patients were included. The pooled results demonstrated that elevated CAR was associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with stroke (OR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.81-2.78; P < 0.00001). Similarly, elevated CAR was associated with mortality in patients with stroke (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.51-2.94; P < 0.0001). CAR has prognostic value for poor functional outcomes and mortality in patients with stroke.