Validation and refinement of the ABCD2 score: A population-based analysis

Amy Fothergill, Teresa J.H. Christianson, Robert D. Brown, Alejandro A. Rabinstein

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE-: Transient ischemic attacks are a frequent diagnosis in the emergency department setting, yet expert opinion as to the proper follow-up and need for hospitalization differs widely. Recently, an effort has been made to risk-stratify patients presenting with transient ischemic attacks through scoring systems such as the ABCD and ABCD2 scales. The aim of our study was to independently validate these scores using a population-based cohort. METHODS-: Using the data from the Rochester Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack Registry and resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, medical records of all residents of Rochester, Minn, with a diagnosis of incident transient ischemic attack from 1985 through 1994 were examined (N=284). Patients were scored on the ABCD and ABCD2 scales and new scores were created by adding hyperglycemia and a history of hypertension. The end points of stroke and death were collected previously and were verified through the Rochester Epidemiology Project data. RESULTS-: Although our study did find that scores >4 had a statistically significant predictive value for future stroke, a substantial proportion of strokes within 7 days (9 of 36 cases [25%]) occurred in patients with low or intermediate risk scores (≤4) on the ABCD2 scale. Including history of hypertension and hyperglycemia on presentation increased the sensitivity of the score to identify patients who had a stroke within 7 days. CONCLUSIONS-: Reliance on the ABCD and ABCD2 scores misses some patients who will have a stroke within 7 days of a transient ischemic attack. Adding hyperglycemia and a history of hypertension to the predictive model could be useful, but the value of these additions need to be evaluated further.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2669-2673
Number of pages5
JournalStroke
Volume40
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2009

Keywords

  • Prediction
  • Risk
  • Score
  • Stroke
  • TIA

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Validation and refinement of the ABCD2 score: A population-based analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this