Correlation Analysis of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Hormone Levels in Hair Before Stroke Onset and Mood Disorders After Stroke

The study examined the relationship between hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hormone levels in hair before stroke onset and mood disorders after stroke in 62 stroke patients and 40 healthy controls. It found that cortisol (F) and cortisone (E) levels were significantly higher in patients who developed post-stroke depression or anxiety compared to those who did not and to healthy controls. These hormone levels were positively correlated with depression and anxiety scores, suggesting they could be potential predictors for post-stroke mood disorders. Specific cutoff values for diagnosing depression and anxiety were identified. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels did not show significant differences or correlations, indicating it may not be a reliable predictor for post-stroke mood disorders.