Stroke is a major global health issue, contributing to high mortality and long-term disability. As the population ages, understanding factors that influence stroke outcomes is crucial. A 2024 study, published in Cardiovascular Diabetology, investigates the role of the Triglyceride-Glucose Body Mass Index (TyG-BMI) in predicting long-term survival in stroke patients, providing insights into metabolic health and its impact on recovery.
The study flowchart. *There are 213 patients diagnosed with both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. MIMIC-IV: Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV; ICU: intensive care unit; TG: triglycerides: FBG: fasting blood glucose.
The study analyzed data from 1,707 stroke patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) and assessed the correlation between TyG-BMI levels and long-term survival. TyG-BMI is a composite index that reflects insulin resistance, a known risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Patients were divided into three groups based on their TyG-BMI levels, with the study focusing on all-cause mortality (ACM) at 90 days, 180 days, and one year post-stroke.
Key Findings
The results revealed a significant association between lower TyG-BMI and higher long-term mortality. Patients with the lowest TyG-BMI had a heightened risk of death within one year of their stroke, while short-term outcomes, such as ICU and in-hospital mortality, showed no significant differences across TyG-BMI groups. This suggests that TyG-BMI is a more relevant predictor for long-term outcomes rather than immediate recovery.
Interestingly, the study found no interaction between TyG-BMI and common variables like hypertension and diabetes, indicating that TyG-BMI operates independently of these conditions in predicting stroke outcomes. The researchers recommend using TyG-BMI as a prognostic tool for managing stroke patients in the long term.
Clinical Implications
TyG-BMI could serve as a useful, easy-to-calculate marker for identifying stroke patients at higher risk of long-term complications. Clinicians can use this information to tailor follow-up care, focusing on improving metabolic health to enhance survival chances. Given its predictive power, TyG-BMI may also guide interventions aimed at improving post-stroke rehabilitation and reducing mortality.
The study highlights TyG-BMI as a reliable predictor of long-term survival in stroke patients. As a simple and cost-effective marker, it could play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and guiding post-stroke care. Further research is needed to confirm these findings across diverse populations.
Journal article: Huang Y et al., (2024). Long-term survival in stroke patients: insights into triglyceride-glucose body mass index from ICU data. Cardiovasc Diabetol. doi: 10.1186/s12933-024-02231-0.
Summary by Faith Oluwamakinde
