For some stroke patients, NAC treatment significantly improves several blood markers related to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Scientific Claim
In a subgroup of ischemic stroke patients who responded to N-acetylcysteine treatment, there were significant improvements in multiple oxidative stress biomarkers including increased catalase (p<0.001), paraoxonase (p<0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (p<0.001), and decreased malondialdehyde (p<0.001), neopterin (p=0.001), and total oxidant status (p<0.001).
Original Statement
“In the responsive group, administration of NAC increased TAC (P < 0.001), decreased TOS (P < 0.001), decreased MDA (P < 0.001), but increased paraoxonase (p < 0.001), catalase (P < 0.001), and decreased neopterin (p = 0.001).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
probability
Can suggest probability/likelihood
Assessment Explanation
The subgroup analysis is clearly reported with statistical significance. The verb 'improves' is appropriate but should be qualified with 'likely' or 'significantly' given the exploratory nature of subgroup analyses.
More Accurate Statement
“In a subgroup of ischemic stroke patients who responded to N-acetylcysteine treatment, there were likely significant improvements in multiple oxidative stress biomarkers including increased catalase (p<0.001), paraoxonase (p<0.001), and total antioxidant capacity (p<0.001), and decreased malondialdehyde (p<0.001), neopterin (p=0.001), and total oxidant status (p<0.001).”
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Investigation of the effect of N-acetylcysteine on serum levels of oxidative inflammatory biomarkers in patients with stroke