Application of Greek Stroke Score in Ethiopia. A validation study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the applicability of Greek stroke score in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. Method: Using a cross sectional study design, acute stroke patients who had CT scan done were evaluated with Greek stroke score. Sensitivity, specificity, positive & negative predictive values were tested.Result: Out of 91 patients enrolled in the study 42 patients had cerebral infarction and 49 patients had intracerebral hemorrhage by CT scan. The Greek score was uncertain (equivocal) in 36 (39.6%) patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive & negative predictive values were 0.778 (95% CI, 0.5730.906), 0.893 (95% CI, 0.706-0.972), 0.875 (95% CI, 0.665-0.967), 0.806 (955 CI, 0.619-0.919), respectively. Its overall accuracy was 83.6%.Conclusion: The Greek stroke score has good specificity for diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage, but has high percentage of uncertain cases hence could not be recommended to guide physicians in the management of stroke.