Evaluation of the MAPH Score in Predicting Acute Ischemic Stroke Severity and Major Vessel Occlusion in the Emergency Department
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) occurs due to causes such as thrombosis, embolization, and lacunar infarction, resulting from small vessel disease.Increased whole blood viscosity (WBV) and the subsequent formation of thrombus are among the primary risk factors for ischemia [4].The severity of ischemia may vary depending on the persistence and size of the thrombus, as well as underlying risk factors such as the patient's gender, age, AbstractObjective: This study aimed to evaluate the utility of the MAPH score, a biomarker combining blood viscosity indicators such as mean platelet volume (MPV), total protein (TP), and hematocrit (Hct), in differentiating acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from transient ischemic attack (TIA) and predicting major vessel occlusion in patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected stroke. Materials and Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 226 patients presenting to the emergency department with focal neurological symptoms.Patients were categorized into AIS and TIA groups based on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging findings.Data collected included demographic characteristics, vital signs, laboratory parameters, and imaging results.MPV, age, Hct, and TP levels were recorded.High-shear rate and low-shear rate were calculated from total TP and Hct values.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate diagnostic performance.Results: The ROC analysis demonstrated the diagnostic accuracy of the MAPH score in differentiating AIS from TIA and predicting major vessel occlusion.Additionally, the score showed a significant correlation with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥20, indicating its association with stroke severity. Conclusion:The MAPH score is a simple and practical tool that aids in distinguishing AIS from TIA and predicting major vessel occlusion, thus improving stroke management in emergency settings.
Authors: Emine Sarcan, Merve Yazla
Institutions: Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi, Ankara Etlik City Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410127092