Source
United Biosource Corporation (formerly Caro Research Institute), Lexington, MA 02420, USA. Krista.Huybrechts@unitedbiosource.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) is gaining importance as a means to quantity disability following stroke, yet little is known about its usefulness as a determinant of the long-term outcome.
METHODS:
The Athens Stroke Registry, which includes information on 1,816 first-ever stroke patients admitted to the Athens University Hospital from 1992 to 2004, was used to examine the crude and adjusted effect of the 3-month mRS score for long-term survival. The mean age was 70 years, 62% were males, and 84% had an ischemic stroke.
RESULTS:
The mortality in the first 3 months exceeded 20%, but thereafter the survival declined much more slowly (approximately 4.5% per year). The patients with worse mRS scores had a significant excess risk of death; the effect persisted when controlling for coexistent cardiovascular problems (transient ischemic attack, claudication, heart failure and atrial fibrillation).
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings underscore the importance of interventions aimed at improving disability following stroke.
Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.