Biomarkers to enhance accuracy and precision of prediction of short-term and long-term outcome after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage: a study protocol for a prospective cohort study

Background: Several studies reported prognostic value of biomarker in intracerebral hemorrhagic (ICH) but they are either preliminary observation or inadequately powered to analyse independent contribution of biomarkers over and above clinical and neuroimaging data. Objective: To examine whether the biomarker can significantly add to the predictive accuracy of prognosis of ICH. Method/design: In a multi-centric prospective cohort study, 1020 patients with ICH within 72 hours of onset are being recruited. After obtaining written informed consent from patients/proxy, venous blood sample (10 ml) is being collected and analysed for C-reactive protein (CRP) level, S100B, Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Troponin, change in leukocyte count and Copeptin levels. The patients are telephonically followed using stroke scales (Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale) at 3, 6, 12 months and 2 years after the recruitment. Discussion: This protocol will aim at predicting the short term or long term prognosis with the use of clinical, neuroimaging and biomarkers in order to help clinician to stratify patients for early referral or intervention.