The prognostic value of the modified Rankin Scale score for long-term survival after first-ever stroke. Results from the Athens Stroke Registry.
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.
Huybrechts
Krista F
KF
United Biosource Corporation (formerly Caro Research Institute), Lexington, MA 02420, USA. Krista.Huybrechts@unitedbiosource.com
Caro
J Jaime
JJ
Xenakis
James J
JJ
Vemmos
Konstantinos N
KN