In the multivariate stepwise regression analysis including all markers with backward selection, elevated levels of IL-6 or YKL-40 were associated with recurrent stroke (IL6: OR, 1.34; 95% CI 1.19–1.52; P < 0.0001; YKL-40: OR, 1.01; 95% CI 1.01–1.03; P = 0.004) and poor functional outcome (IL6: OR, 1.68; 95% CI 1.46–1.93; P < 0.0001; YKL-40: OR, 1.02; 95% CI 1.01–1.03; P = 0.0001). Here, IL6 is linked to Stroke.