Respiratory complications during initial rehabilitation and survival following spinal cord injury in Sweden: a retrospective study

Changes in respiratory structure and function after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury: observations from spinal cord and brain

Respiratory difficulties and mortality following severe cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) result primarily from malfunctions of respiratory pathways and the paralyzed diaphragm. Nonetheless, individuals with CSCI can experience partial recovery of respiratory function through respiratory neuroplasticity. For decades, researchers have revealed the potential mechanism of respiratory nerve plasticity after CSCI, and have made progress in tissue healing and functional recovery. While most existing studies on respiratory plasticity after spinal cord injuries have focused on the cervical spinal cord, there is a paucity of research on respiratory-related brain structures following such injuries. Given the interconnectedness of the spinal cord and the brain, traumatic changes to the former can also impact the latter. Consequently, are there other potential therapeutic targets to consider? This review introduces the anatomy and physiology of typical respiratory centers, explores alterations in respiratory function following spinal cord injuries, and delves into the structural foundations of modified respiratory function in patients with CSCI. Additionally, we propose that magnetic resonance neuroimaging holds promise in the study of respiratory function post-CSCI. By studying respiratory plasticity in the brain and spinal cord after CSCI, we hope to guide future clinical work.

Respiratory Complications and Weaning Considerations for Patients with Spinal Cord Injuries: A Narrative Review

Respiratory complications following traumatic spinal cord injury are common and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The inability to cough and clear secretions coupled with weakened respiratory and abdominal muscles commonly leads to respiratory failure, pulmonary edema, and pneumonia. Higher level and severity of the spinal cord injury, history of underlying lung pathology, history of smoking, and poor baseline health status are potential predictors for patients that will experience respiratory complications. For patients who may require prolonged intubation, early tracheostomy has been shown to lead to improved outcomes. Prediction models to aid clinicians with the decision and timing of tracheostomy have been shown to be successful but require larger validation studies in the future. Mechanical ventilation weaning strategies also require further investigation but should focus on a combination of optimizing ventilator setting, pulmonary toilet techniques, psychosocial well-being, and an aggressive bowel regimen.

Speech and language therapy service provision in spinal injury units compared to major trauma centres in England: Are services matched?

BACKGROUND

National UK guidance makes recommendations for speech and language therapy staffing levels in critical care and rehabilitation settings. Traumatic spinal cord injury patients often require admission primarily to critical care services within a major trauma centre prior to transfer to a specialist spinal injury unit but may not receive similar levels of care. Dysphagia and communication difficulties are recognised features of cervical spinal cord injury; however, little is known about access to speech and language therapy services to provide rehabilitation and improve outcomes.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare the workforce and clinical practices of speech and language therapy services in eight spinal injury units and four major trauma centres in England through an online survey.

METHODS & PROCEDURES

An online survey was created with 26 multiple-choice questions across seven sub-sections, with options for free-text comments. These were sent to a named speech and language therapy contact at each of the specified units. Responses were uploaded into Excel for analyses, which included descriptive statistics and analysis of themes.

OUTCOMES & RESULTS

Responses were received from 92% (11/12) speech and language therapy services invited, which included seven out of eight spinal injury units and all four major trauma centres. No units met national staffing recommendations. Staff in spinal injury units provided an average of 27 h per week input to the unit compared to 80 h in a major trauma centre. Despite caseload variations, speech and language range of therapy involvement and prioritisation process were equivalent. Access to instrumental assessment varied, with less use of Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in spinal injury units despite its clinical value to the spinal cord injury caseload.

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS

Speech and language therapy services delivering post-acute and long-term rehabilitation to spinal cord injury patients are limited by their resources and capacity, which restricts the level of therapy delivered to patients. This may have an impact on clinical outcomes for communication and swallowing impairments. Further evidence is needed of the interventions delivered by speech and language therapists and outcomes will be beneficial alongside benchmarking similar services.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on this subject In England, people who sustain a spinal cord injury are admitted to a major trauma centre prior to transfer to a specialist spinal injury unit. Dysphagia and communication impairments are recognised as a complication of cervical spinal cord injury and benefit from speech and language therapy intervention. National recommendations exist for staffing levels, expertise and competencies for speech and language therapists working in critical care and rehabilitation units. What this study adds This study identified variations in the levels of speech and language therapy staffing, seniority, service delivery and access to instrumental assessments for dysphagia between major trauma centres and spinal injury units. None of the services complied with national staffing recommendations. Clinical implications of this study Speech and language therapy services in spinal injury units are often available part-time or have limited access to diagnostic tools which limits the range and intensity of rehabilitation input available. This has clinical implications for outcomes for swallowing and communication as well as long-term consequences for integrating back into community.