Leukocytes, platelets, and electrolyte status: correlation with acute ischemic stroke severity at Haji Adam Malik Hospital

<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Acute ischemic stroke is a major cause of disability and mortality, with inflammatory processes and metabolic stability playing key roles in its progression. This study aimed to analyze the correlation of leukocyte counts, platelet counts, and electrolyte status (sodium, potassium, and chloride) with the severity of acute ischemic stroke based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at Haji Adam Malik Hospital, Medan. Methods This analytical study used a cross-sectional design involving 90 ischemic stroke patients admitted during the 2023–2025 period. Baseline laboratory values and initial NIHSS scores were retrieved from medical records and analyzed statistically. Results The analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between leukocyte count and NIHSS score (p = 0.002; r = 0.315) and between platelet count and NIHSS score (p = 0.005; r = 0.293), indicating that higher leukocyte and platelet levels upon admission are associated with more severe neurological deficits. In contrast, no statistically significant correlations were found between NIHSS scores and levels of sodium (p = 0.272), potassium (p = 0.211), or chloride (p = 0.487). Conclusion Elevated baseline leukocyte and platelet counts are significantly correlated with greater acute ischemic stroke severity, serving as valuable indicators for early clinical stratification. Conversely, early serum electrolyte levels do not demonstrate a direct relationship with initial neurological severity in these patients.</p>