Object
Interrater reliability as measured by the kappa (κ) statistic is a widely used and valuable tool to measure the robustness of a scoring system. Seizure frequency reduction is a central outcome measure following vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). A specific VNS scoring system has been proposed by McHugh, but its interrater reliability has not been tested. The authors assessed its interrater reliability and compared it with that of the Engel and International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) systems.
Methods
Using the Engel, ILAE, and McHugh scoring systems, 3 observers independently rated the medical records of children who had undergone vagus nerve stimulator implantation between January 2001 and April 2011 at the Southampton University Hospital. The interrater agreements were then calculated using the κ statistic.
Results
Interrater reliability for the McHugh scale (κ0.693) was very good and was superior to those of the Engel (κ0.464) and ILAE (κ0.491) systems for assessing outcome in patients undergoing VNS.
Conclusions
The authors recommend considering the McHugh scoring system when assessing outcomes following VNS.
Evaluation of the International League Against Epilepsy 1981, 1989 and 2017 classifications of seizure semiology and aetiology in a population‐based cohort of children and adults with epilepsy
