Recommendations for the National Institute for Neurologic Disorders and Stroke spinal cord injury common data elements for children and youth with SCI

Safety and Feasibility of Cervical and Thoracic Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Hand Motor Function in Children With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

OBJECTIVE

In adults with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), transcutaneous spinal stimulation (scTS) has improved upper extremity strength and control. This novel noninvasive neurotherapeutic approach combined with training may modulate the inherent developmental plasticity of children with SCI, providing even greater improvements than training or stimulation alone. Because children with SCI represent a vulnerable population, we first must establish the safety and feasibility of any potential novel therapeutic approach. The objectives of this pilot study were to determine the safety, feasibility, and proof of principle of cervical and thoracic scTS for short-term effect on upper extremity strength in children with SCI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this nonrandomized, within-subject repeated measure design, seven participants with chronic cervical SCI performed upper extremity motor tasks without and with cervical (C3-C4 and C6-C7) and thoracic (T10-T11) site scTS. Safety and feasibility of using cervical and thoracic sites scTS were determined by the frequency count of anticipated and unanticipated risks (eg, pain, numbness). Proof-of-principle concept was tested via change in force production during hand motor tasks.

RESULTS

All seven participants tolerated cervical and thoracic scTS across the three days, with a wide range of stimulation intensities (cervical sites = 20-70 mA and thoracic site = 25-190 mA). Skin redness at the stimulation sites was observed in four of 21 assessments (19%) and dissipated in a few hours. No episode of autonomic dysreflexia was observed or reported. Hemodynamic parameters (systolic blood pressure and heart rate) remained within stable limits (p > 0.05) throughout the assessment time points at baseline, with scTS, and after the experiment. Hand-grip and wrist-extension strength increased (p < 0.05) with scTS.

CONCLUSIONS

We indicated that short-term application of scTS via two cervical and one thoracic site is safe and feasible in children with SCI and resulted in immediate improvements in hand-grip and wrist-extension strength in the presence of scTS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is NCT04032990.

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative: Statement of Working Principles and Rapid Review of Methods to Define Data Dictionaries for Neurological Conditions

The Australian Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative (AUS-TBI) aims to develop a health informatics approach to collect data predictive of outcomes for persons with moderate-severe TBI across Australia. Central to this approach is a data dictionary; however, no systematic reviews of methods to define and develop data dictionaries exist to-date. This rapid systematic review aimed to identify and characterize methods for designing data dictionaries to collect outcomes or variables in persons with neurological conditions. Database searches were conducted from inception through October 2021. Records were screened in two stages against set criteria to identify methods to define data dictionaries for neurological conditions (International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision: 08, 22, and 23). Standardized data were extracted. Processes were checked at each stage by independent review of a random 25% of records. Consensus was reached through discussion where necessary. Thirty-nine initiatives were identified across 29 neurological conditions. No single established or recommended method for defining a data dictionary was identified. Nine initiatives conducted systematic reviews to collate information before implementing a consensus process. Thirty-seven initiatives consulted with end-users. Methods of consultation were "roundtable" discussion (n = 30); with facilitation (n = 16); that was iterative (n = 27); and frequently conducted in-person (n = 27). Researcher stakeholders were involved in all initiatives and clinicians in 25. Importantly, only six initiatives involved persons with lived experience of TBI and four involved carers. Methods for defining data dictionaries were variable and reporting is sparse. Our findings are instructive for AUS-TBI and can be used to further development of methods for defining data dictionaries.

Fighting for recovery on multiple fronts: The past, present, and future of clinical trials for spinal cord injury

Through many decades of preclinical research, great progress has been achieved in understanding the complex nature of spinal cord injury (SCI). Preclinical research efforts have guided and shaped clinical trials, which are growing in number by the year. Currently, 1,149 clinical trials focused on improving outcomes after SCI are registered in the U.S. National Library of Medicine at ClinicalTrials.gov. We conducted a systematic analysis of these SCI clinical trials, using publicly accessible data downloaded from ClinicalTrials.gov. After extracting all available data for these trials, we categorized each trial according to the types of interventions being tested and the types of outcomes assessed. We then evaluated clinical trial characteristics, both globally and by year, in order to understand the areas of growth and change over time. With regard to clinical trial attributes, we found that most trials have low enrollment, only test single interventions, and have limited numbers of primary outcomes. Some gaps in reporting are apparent; for instance, over 75% of clinical trials with "Completed" status do not have results posted, and the Phase of some trials is incorrectly classified as "Not applicable" despite testing a drug or biological compound. When analyzing trials based on types of interventions assessed, we identified the largest representation in trials testing rehab/training/exercise, neuromodulation, and behavioral modifications. Most highly represented primary outcomes include motor function of the upper and lower extremities, safety, and pain. The most highly represented secondary outcomes include quality of life and pain. Over the past 15 years, we identified increased representation of neuromodulation and rehabilitation trials, and decreased representation of drug trials. Overall, the number of new clinical trials initiated each year continues to grow, signifying a hopeful future for the clinical treatment of SCI. Together, our work provides a comprehensive glimpse into the past, present, and future of SCI clinical trials, and suggests areas for improvement in clinical trial reporting.

Developing a Health Care Transition Intervention With Young People With Spinal Cord Injuries: Co-design Approach

Background

Successful transition from pediatric to adult health care settings supports long-term health management and better overall outcomes in all domains. However, young people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) continue to report challenges and unmet needs during the transition process. Including end users in health care research and intervention design is paramount as interventions designed in this way better meet their specific needs and are often more innovative. Although studies have reported involving young people with chronic conditions in the development of health care transition (HCT) interventions, few details have been provided as to how this was achieved.

Objective

This study outlined the co-design and development of an HCT intervention to support young people with SCIs. It contextualized the co-design process, methods, materials used, and steps implemented from defining the problem to conceiving and designing the solution. This was accomplished by understanding and listening to end users’ needs and recommendations for HCT.

Methods

Using participatory methods, this qualitative study reports the co-design of an HCT intervention to support young people with SCIs and parents or caregivers. Two co-design workshops were conducted: one with young people with SCIs and one with parents and caregivers. Categories were defined through a hybrid deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis process that was informed by the Care Transitions Framework and guided the development of the HCT intervention. Following the creation of a prototype intervention, young people with SCIs, parents and caregivers, and key pediatric SCI stakeholders provided feedback on the intervention content and design in focus groups. Similar to the workshops, the focus groups were analyzed using a hybrid deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis process informed by the Care Transitions Framework. The Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research guidelines for qualitative research (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) were applied.

Results

Overall, 4 young people and 4 parents or caregivers participated in the co-design workshops. Key recommendations for the HCT intervention were that participants wanted a “one-stop shop” for all their transition information needs and an editable portable medical summary to take with them to appointments. On the basis of the analysis of participants’ recommendations from the workshops, it was determined that a website would be an appropriate hosting platform for the interventions. The focus group feedback on the design and content of the prototype website was extremely positive, with minor recommendations for improvement.

Conclusions

This is the first study to co-design and develop an HCT intervention in partnership with young people with SCIs and parents and caregivers. Although the study sample was small, it has shown that it is possible to meaningfully engage and empower young people with SCIs and parents and caregivers in the co-design of an HCT intervention.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053212

A Systematic Review of the Scientific Literature for Rehabilitation/Habilitation Among Individuals With Pediatric-Onset Spinal Cord Injury

Objectives

To conduct a systematic review to examine the scientific literature for rehabilitation/habilitation among individuals with pediatric-onset spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

A literature search of multiple databases (i.e., PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsychINFO) was conducted and was filtered to include studies involving humans, published as full-length articles up to December 2020, and in English. Included studies met the following inclusion criteria: (1) ≥50% of the study sample had experienced a traumatic, acquired, nonprogressive spinal cord injury (SCI) or a nontraumatic, acquired, noncongenital SCI; (2) SCI onset occurred at ≤21 years of age; and (3) sample was assessed for a rehabilitation/habilitation-related topic. Studies were assigned a level of evidence using an adapted Sackett scale modified down to five levels. Data extracted from each study included author(s), year of publication, country of origin, study design, subject characteristics, rehabilitation/habilitation topic area, intervention (if applicable), and outcome measures.

Results

One hundred seventy-six studies were included for review (1974-2020) with the majority originating from the United States (81.3%). Most studies were noninterventional observational studies (n = 100; 56.8%) or noninterventional case report studies (n = 5; 2.8%). Sample sizes ranged from 1 to 3172 with a median of 26 (interquartile range [IQR], 116.5). Rehabilitation/habilitation topics were categorized by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF); most studies evaluated ICF Body Function. There were 69 unique clinical health outcome measures reported.

Conclusion

The evidence for rehabilitation/habilitation of pediatric-onset SCI is extremely limited; nearly all studies (98%) are level 4-5 evidence. Future studies across several domains should be conducted with novel approaches to research design to alleviate issues related to sample sizes and heterogeneity.

Organisation of services and systems of care in paediatric spinal cord injury rehabilitation in seven countries: a survey with a descriptive cross-sectional design

STUDY DESIGN

International multicentre cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the organisation and systems of paediatric spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation services in seven countries and compare them with available recommendations and key features of paediatric SCI.

SETTING

Ten SCI rehabilitation units in seven countries admitting children and adolescents with SCI < 18 years of age.

METHODS

An online survey reporting data from 2017. Descriptive and qualitative analysis were used to describe the data.

RESULTS

The units reported large variations in catchment area, paediatric population and referrals, but similar challenges in discharge policy. Nine of the units were publicly funded. Three units had a paediatric SCI unit. The most frequent causes of traumatic injury were motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports accidents. Unlike the other units, the Chinese units reported acrobatic dancing as a major cause. Mean length of stay in primary rehabilitation ranged between 18 and 203 days. Seven units offered life-long follow-up. There was a notable variation in staffing between the units; some of the teams were not optimal regarding the interdisciplinary and multiprofessional nature of the field. Eight units followed acknowledged standards and recommendations for specialised paediatric SCI rehabilitation and focused on family-centred care and rehabilitation as a dynamic process adapting to the child and the family.

CONCLUSIONS

As anticipated, we found differences in the organisation and administration of rehabilitation services for paediatric SCI in the ten rehabilitation units in seven countries. This might indicate a need for internationally approved, evidence-based guidelines for specialised paediatric SCI rehabilitation.

Common Data Elements for Meaningful Stroke Documentation in Routine Care and Clinical Research: Retrospective Data Analysis

BACKGROUND

Medical information management for stroke patients is currently a very time-consuming endeavor. There are clear guidelines and procedures to treat patients having acute stroke, but it is not known how well these established practices are reflected in patient documentation.

OBJECTIVE

This study compares a variety of documentation processes regarding stroke. The main objective of this work is to provide an overview of the most commonly occurring medical concepts in stroke documentation and identify overlaps between different documentation contexts to allow for the definition of a core data set that could be used in potential data interfaces.

METHODS

Medical source documentation forms from different documentation contexts, including hospitals, clinical trials, registries, and international standards, regarding stroke treatment followed by rehabilitation were digitized in the operational data model. Each source data element was semantically annotated using the Unified Medical Language System. The concept codes were analyzed for semantic overlaps. A concept was considered common if it appeared in at least two documentation contexts. The resulting common concepts were extended with implementation details, including data types and permissible values based on frequent patterns of source data elements, using an established expert-based and semiautomatic approach.

RESULTS

In total, 3287 data elements were identified, and 1051 of these emerged as unique medical concepts. The 100 most frequent medical concepts cover 9.51% (100/1051) of all concept occurrences in stroke documentation, and the 50 most frequent concepts cover 4.75% (50/1051). A list of common data elements was implemented in different standardized machine-readable formats on a public metadata repository for interoperable reuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Standardization of medical documentation is a prerequisite for data exchange as well as the transferability and reuse of data. In the long run, standardization would save time and money and extend the capabilities for which such data could be used. In the context of this work, a lack of standardization was observed regarding current information management. Free-form text fields and intricate questions complicate automated data access and transfer between institutions. This work also revealed the potential of a unified documentation process as a core data set of the 50 most frequent common data elements, accounting for 34% of the documentation in medical information management. Such a data set offers a starting point for standardized and interoperable data collection in routine care, quality management, and clinical research.

Validation of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Spinal Cord Injury MRI Common Data Elements Instrument

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke common data elements initiative was created to provide a consistent method for recording and reporting observations related to neurologic diseases in clinical trials. The purpose of this study is to validate the subset of common data elements related to MR imaging evaluation of acute spinal cord injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five cervical and thoracic MR imaging studies of patients with acute spinal cord injury were evaluated independently in 2 rounds by 5 expert reviewers. Intra- and interrater agreement were calculated for 17 distinct MR imaging observations related to spinal cord injury. These included ordinal, categoric, and continuous measures related to the length and location of spinal cord hemorrhage and edema as well as spinal canal and cord measurements. Level of agreement was calculated using the interclass correlation coefficient and kappa.

RESULTS

The ordinal common data elements spinal cord injury elements for lesion center and rostral or caudal extent of edema or hemorrhage demonstrated agreement ranging from interclass correlation coefficient 0.68 to 0.99. Reproducibility ranged from 0.95 to 1.00. Moderate agreement was observed for absolute length of hemorrhage and edema (0.54 to 0.60) with good reproducibility (0.78 to 0.83). Agreement for the Brain and Spinal Injury Center score showed the lowest interrater agreement with an overall kappa of 0.27 (0.20, 0.34). For 7 of the 8 variables related to spinal cord injury, agreement improved between the first and second evaluation. Continuous diameter measures of the spinal cord and spinal canal using interclass correlation coefficient varied substantially (0.23 to 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Agreement was more consistent for the ordinal measures of spinal cord injury than continuous measures. Good to excellent agreement on length and location of spinal cord hemorrhage and edema can be achieved with ordinal measures alone.

Design and Rationale for Common Data Elements for Clinical Research in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine

OBJECTIVES

Common data elements are a combination of a precisely defined question paired with a specified set of responses. Common data elements contribute to the National Institutes of Health-supported principle of Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusableness of research data. Routine use of Common data elements and standardized definitions within pediatric critical care research are likely to promote collaboration, improve quality, and consistency of data collection, improve overall efficiency of study or trial setup, and facilitate cross-study comparisons, meta-analysis, and merging of study cohorts. The purpose of this Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Perspective is to establish a road map for the development of multinational, multidisciplinary consensus-based common data elements that could be adapted for use within any pediatric critical care subject area.

METHODS

We describe a multistep process for the creation of "core domains" of research (e.g. patient outcomes, health-related conditions, or aspects of health) and the development of common data elements within each core domain. We define a tiered approach to data collection based on relevance of each common data element to future studies and clinical practice within the field of interest. Additionally, we describe the use of the Delphi methods to achieve consensus of these common data element documents using an international, multidisciplinary panel of experts.

Development of the International Spinal Cord Injury/Dysfunction Education Basic Data Set

Study design

Consensus among international experts.

Objectives

The objective of this project was to develop the International Spinal Cord Injury/Dysfunction (SCI/D) Education Basic Data Set.

Setting

International expert working group.

Methods

The published guidelines for developing the International SCI Basic Data Sets were used to develop the International SCI/D Education Basic Data Set. Existing measures and literature on education and disability were reviewed to develop a preliminary draft of the basic education data set through iterative modifications via biweekly conference calls and email communication. The draft was disseminated to the larger International Workgroup for Development of Pediatric SCI/D Basic Data Sets and then to the members of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS), American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), and relevant expert groups and interested individuals for comments. All feedback received was taken into consideration before the final data set was approved by ISCoS and ASIA.

Results

The finalized version of the International SCI/D Education Basic Data Set Version 1.0 contains 16 items divided into three domains: school setting/therapeutic services, school participation/academic success, and barriers/attitudes. Most of the variables have been adapted from established measures. This data set is intended for children and youth up to and including high school, but not for emerging adults in higher education or postsecondary vocational training or trade schools.

Conclusion

The International SCI/D Education Basic Data Set has been developed for collection of a minimal amount of highly relevant information on the education experience in children and youth with SCI/D. Further validation work is needed.

Sponsorship

This project was funded by the Rick Hansen Institute, Research Award #G2015-27 (Mulcahey, PI).

Construct validity, test-retest reliability, and the ability to detect change of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure in a spinal cord injury population

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Objectives

To examine the construct validity and the ability to detect change, of the Italian version of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) in a spinal cord injury (SCI) population.

Settings

Rehabilitation service of the Paraplegic Center of Ostia, Italy.

Methods

Thirty-nine spinal cord injury participants were recruited. The clinimetric properties of the measure were assessed following international guidelines. Cronbach's alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient were assessed for internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. Construct validity was evaluated, by calculating correlation between COPM and the Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) through Pearson's correlation coefficient and Spearman's Rho. The ability to detect change was evaluated on the overall sample.

Results

The COPM was shown to be reliable in a spinal cord injury sample with positive and statistically significant results for Cronbach's alpha (0.89) and ICC (0.99 for the performance subtest and 0.98 for the satisfaction subtest). Correlation coefficients did not show a correlation between the COPM total score and the SCIM. The COPM scores improved significantly during in-patient rehabilitation, moreover the mean change between the start of treatment and the end of the therapy as evaluated with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was -4.25 points for the performance score and -2.96 points for the satisfaction score.

Conclusions

This study showed that the COPM is a reliable tool for assessing SCI clients' perceived performance of daily activities and their satisfaction with their performance.

Activity-Based Therapy Targeting Neuromuscular Capacity After Pediatric-Onset Spinal Cord Injury

Background: Activity-based therapies aim to improve neuromuscular capacity after spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective: The purpose of this prospective study was to report the impact of Activity-based Locomotor Training (AB-LT) on neuromuscular capacity in pediatric patients with SCI. Methods: Participants were enrolled for their first episode of AB-LT for a minimum of 60 daily, 1.5-hour sessions. The Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) and the Pediatric Neuromuscular Recovery Scale (Pediatric NRS) were assessed initially, every 20 sessions, and post 60 sessions. Results: Twenty-six consecutive patients, mean age 5 years (SD = 3), completed a mean 55 sessions (SD = 4) within 63 weekdays (SD = 9). The Pediatric NRS total score improved significantly, adjusted mean 11.4, from initial to post-60 sessions (p < .05) with an average adjusted evaluation-to-evaluation 3.7 change. SATCo scores improved significantly across 60 sessions, mean change 5.2, an estimated 1.7 change between evaluations (p < .05). Age at enrollment and chronicity had no effect; however, initial neuromuscular capacity scores were negatively correlated with change scores (p < .05). Conclusion: Sixty AB-LT sessions significantly improved trunk and neuromuscular capacity in children with SCI, regardless of age or chronicity at enrollment. Patients with lower initial scores made greater improvements than patients with higher initial neuromuscular capacity. Anecdotal parent reports of their child's functional change in the home and community highlight the synergy between quantitative change in neuromuscular capacity and meaningful, improved quality of life and the need for formal investigation of this relationship.

Despite limitations in content range, the SCIM-III is reproducible and a valid indicator of physical function in youths with spinal cord injury and dysfunction

STUDY DESIGN

Multi-center, repeated measures OBJECTIVES: Evaluate psychometric properties of the SCIM-III in children.

SETTING

Seven facilities in North America METHODS: One-hundred and twenty-seven youths, mean age of 10.8 years and chronic spinal cord injury/dysfunction completed two administrations of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure-III (SCIM-III). Mean, standard deviation, range values were calculated for SCIM-III total and subscales for the entire sample, four age groups and injury characteristics. Test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and floor and ceiling effects were examined.

RESULTS

Total SCIM-III and self-care (SC) subscale scores for the youngest age group were lower than those for the three older age groups. There were statistically significant differences in SC subscale scores between neurological level (NL) C5-T1 and T2 -T12; C5-T1 and L1-S4/5; and T2-T12 and L1-S4/5 and in in-room, and indoor/outdoor mobility subscale scores between C1-C4 and T2-T12; C1-C4 and L1-S4/5; C5-T1 and T2-T12; C5-T1 and L1-S4/5; and T2-T12 and L1-S4/5. All scores between motor complete and motor incomplete differed. Test-retest reliability was good (ICC values = > 0.84) and there was moderate to strong correlation between SCIM-III and the FIM® Instrument (r = 0.77-0.92). Ceiling effects were present in the SC subscale for the oldest age group (24%) and for NL L1-S4/5 (35.5%) and in in-room mobility subscale for 6-12 (45.7%), 13-15 (30.43%) and 16-17 (60%) ages, paraplegia (42.4%), tetraplegia (37.1%), incomplete injuries (50%), and T2-T12 (38%) and L1-S4/5 (100%) NL.

CONCLUSION

Despite limitations in content range, the SCIM-III is reproducible, and a valid indicator of physical functioning in youth with SCI/D 6 years of age and older.

SPONSORSHIP

The study was funded by the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation, Spinal Cord Injury Research on the Translation Spectrum, Senior Research Award Grant #282592 (Mulcahey, PI).