FIGURE 1

The level of circulating CD34⁺ cells and neurologic function in the study group after 1 year. (A–D) At the point of entry, there were no significant differences in the level of neurologic function, including NIHSS (A), BI (B), mRS (C), and CDR (D). (E–H) There was a trend suggesting accelerated worsening of neurologic function, evaluated by NIHSS, in patients with decreased levels of circulating CD34⁺ cells, although this did not achieve statistical significance (E). Compared with BI scores in patients with increased levels of circulating CD34⁺ cells, significant worsening was observed in patients with decreased levels of CD34⁺ cells (F). There was a trend of worsening of mRS in patients with decreased levels of circulating CD34⁺ cells, although this did not achieve statistical significance (G). Significantly poorer CDR scores were observed in patients with decreased levels of CD34⁺ cells, compared with those with increased levels of CD34⁺ cells (H). (I–L) Analysis of patients without recurrent strokes showed nonsignificant differences, but a similar trend was observed in changes in NIHSS (I), BI (J), and mRS (K). Poorer CDR scores were observed in patients with decreased levels of CD34⁺ cells, compared with those with increased levels of CD34⁺ cells (L), and this difference achieved statistical significance. ^* P<0.05 versus patients with decreased levels of circulating CD34⁺ cells.