Pre-Admission CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc Scores on Early Neurological Worsening

Background: Stroke risk scores (CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc) not only predict the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, but have also been associated with prognosis after stroke. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between stroke risk scores and early neurological deterioration (END) in ischemic stroke patients with AF. Methods: We included consecutive ischemic stroke patients with AF admitted between January 2013 and December 2015. CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores were calculated using the established scoring system. END was defined as an increase >= 2 on the total National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score or >= 1 on the motor NIHSS score within the first 72 h of admission. Results: A total of 2,099 ischemic stroke patients with AF were included. In multivariable analysis, CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04-1.31) was significantly associated with END after adjusting for confounders. Initial NIHSS score, use of anticoagulants, and intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) were also found to be closely associated with END, independent of the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score. Multivariable analysis stratified by the presence of ICAS demonstrated that both CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc (aOR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.04-1.38) and CHADS(2) scores (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01-1.52) were closely related to END in only patients with ICAS. In patients without ICAS, neither of the risk scores were associated with END. Conclusions: High CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score was associated with END in ischemic stroke patients with AF. This close relationship is more pronounced in patients with ICAS.

Automated summary

The study revealed a significant association between high CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score and early neurological deterioration in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, particularly in those with intracranial atherosclerosis(ICAS).