['Fractalkine (CX3CL1) is a unique chemokine that is constitutively expressed on neurons where it serves as an adhesion molecule for lymphocytes and monocytes. CX3CL1 may also be cleaved from the surface of these cells and enter the circulation to act as a traditional chemokine. CX3CL1 could thus influence the inflammatory response after stroke. We hypothesized that patients with higher plasma CX3CL1 after stroke would have a more robust inflammatory response and experience worse outcome.', 'Plasma CX3CL1 concentrations were assessed in 85 patients who were part of a larger study evaluating immune responses after ischemic stroke; CX3CL1 values were available from Day 1 to Day 180 after stroke onset. CX3CL1 was correlated to measures of inflammation and its effect on outcome assessed.', 'At 1 day after stroke, CX3CL1 was lower in patients with severe strokes. At 180 days after stroke, CX3CL1 concentrations were lower in patients with poor outcome. The association of CX3CL1 and outcome at 180 days was independent of initial stroke severity. Plasma CX3CL1 at 180 days was inversely associated with systemic markers of inflammation, including white blood cell counts and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.'] Is higher plasma fractalkine associated with better 6-month outcome from ischemic stroke?