Prognostic value of copeptin in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality in the China and one of the leading causes of severe morbidity. An early risk assessment with estimate of the severity of disease and prognosis is pivotal for optimized care and allocation of healthcare resources. Reliable prognostic markers available during the initial phase after acute stroke may aid clinical decision-making. Vasopressin (AVP) is a potent synergistic factor of corticotropin-releasing hormone as hypothalamic stimulator of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis.1 Some studies found increased AVP levels in patients with ischemic stroke were correlated with stroke severity2 and outcome.3 Copeptin is released in an equimolar ratio to AVP, and is more stable in the circulation and easy to measure.