Validating the Orpington Prognostic Score in an Irish in-patient stroke population.

An accurate assessment of stroke severity and the ability to predict prognosis is important for determ ining rehabilitation needs and long term management of patients after stroke. The Orpington Prognostic Score (OPS) isa clinically derived stroke severity scake that can be used to stratify patients into different severity groups. The aim of to valldate the Orpington Prognostic Score (OPS) in an Irish in-patient stroke onset Subjects were stratified into mild, moderate and severe groups using prviouslyestablished cut-offs for the OPS. Outcomes were determined prospectively and compared to intial severity groups. Patients in the severs group had a significantly increased chance of dying (Odds ration [95%Cl] 2.16[1.72-2.72] and this persisted after adjustment of age and gene der. Length of stay increased significantly with increasing stroke severity group (F ratio 70 p=0.0025) and this association renained after adjusting for age and gender. The odds of being discharged home or of being able to walk independetly by tithe of discharge decrassed significal (all p<0.001) a stroke severity increased and adjusting for age and gender did not alter these associations. A higher OPS score within 2 weeks of onset was significantly associated with longer length of stay, increased mortality, reduced mobility at discharge and a reduced likelihood of discharge home The OPS is a valid measure of stroke severity in Irish stroke in-patients.