The TRICH score comprises five simple clinical predictors, including kidney function levels, blood pressure, and others. It targets patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.
Dr Teo Kay-Cheong, deputy director of the HKU Stroke Research and Prevention Group explained that patients currently have to go through a long period of testing before doctors are able to come up with ways to control their blood pressure. During this time, there is a high risk of stroke and death.
“The TRICH score [helps] to select patients that can be given what we call up-front treatment…we can start immediately with triple anti-hypertensive medication.”
He said this means that blood pressure management will be enhanced and risks associated with over-treatment will be minimised.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students Adrian So and Charming Yeung from the University of Hong Kong developed the scoring system under Dr Teo’s supervision.
However, Dr Teo pointed out that it is still early days for the scoring system.
“We need further research to show its effectiveness and its usefulness in patients,” he added.
