Post-transient ischemic attack early stroke stratification: the ABCD(2) prognostic aid.
BACKGROUND
In many patients, transient ischemic attack (TIA) precedes stroke. Prompt recognition of TIA patients who are at increased short-term risk for stroke may facilitate efficient resource utilization and improved patient outcomes. Three prognostic decision aids have been derived and validated to empower emergency physicians to stratify TIA patients for 2-day stroke risk based upon information readily available at the bedside.


OBJECTIVE
Can a TIA stratification tool predict short-term stroke risk?


METHODS
Two relevant tool derivation studies and one validation study were selected from an evidence search and a structured review.


RESULTS
The three tools reveal similar prognostic capabilities, although the ABCD(2) prognostic guide may be slightly superior. A proposal scoring system for TIA patients at low risk for stroke within 90 days is presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Stroke risk stratification is possible with a simple prediction rule.
Carpenter
Christopher R
CR
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
Keim
Samuel M
SM
Crossley
John
J
Perry
Jeffrey J
JJ
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control*