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Sherrod BA, Porche K, Condie CK, Dailey AT. Pharmacologic Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury. Clin Spine Surg 2024:01933606-990000000-00365. [PMID: 39264675 DOI: 10.1097/bsd.0000000000001695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Neuroprotective strategies aimed at preventing secondary neurologic injury following acute spinal cord injury remain an important area of clinical, translational, and basic science research. Despite recent advancement in the understanding of basic mechanisms of primary and secondary neurologic injury, few pharmacologic agents have shown consistent promise in improving neurologic outcomes following SCI in large randomized clinical trials. The authors review the existing literature and clinical guidelines for pharmacologic therapy investigated for managing acute SCI, including corticosteroids, GM-1 ganglioside (Sygen), Riluzole, opioid antagonists, Cethrin, minocycline, and vasopressors for mean arterial pressure augmentation. Therapies for managing secondary effects of SCI, such as bradycardia, are discussed. Current clinical trials for pharmacotherapy and cellular transplantation following acute SCI are also reviewed. Despite the paucity of current evidence for clinically beneficial post-SCI pharmacotherapy, future research efforts will hopefully elucidate promising therapeutic agents to improve neurologic function.
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Zeller SL, Stein A, Frid I, Carpenter AB, Soldozy S, Rawanduzy C, Rosenberg J, Bauerschmidt A, Al-Mufti F, Mayer SA, Kinon MD, Wainwright JV. Critical Care of Spinal Cord Injury. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2024; 24:355-363. [PMID: 39008022 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-024-01357-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, posing a significant financial burden on patients and the healthcare system. While little can be done to reverse the primary mechanical insult, minimizing secondary injury due to ischemia and inflammation and avoiding complications that adversely affect neurologic outcome represent major goals of management. This article reviews important considerations in the acute critical care management of SCI to improve outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Neuroprotective agents, such as riluzole, may allow for improved neurologic recovery but require further investigation at this time. Various forms of neuromodulation, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation, are currently under investigation. Early decompression and stabilization of SCI is recommended within 24 h of injury when indicated. Spinal cord perfusion may be optimized with a mean arterial pressure goal from a lower limit of 75-80 to an upper limit of 90-95 mmHg for 3-7 days after injury. The use of corticosteroids remains controversial; however, initiation of a 24-h infusion of methylprednisolone 5.4 mg/kg/hour within 8 h of injury has been found to improve motor scores. Attentive pulmonary and urologic care along with early mobilization can reduce in-hospital complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina L Zeller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Alan Stein
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Ilya Frid
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Austin B Carpenter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Sauson Soldozy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Cameron Rawanduzy
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Jon Rosenberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Bauerschmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Fawaz Al-Mufti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Stephan A Mayer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Merritt D Kinon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York Medical College, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - John V Wainwright
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York Medical College, 100 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA.
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Ranjbar Hameghavandi MH, Khodadoust E, Hassan Zadeh Tabatabaei MS, Farahbakhsh F, Ghodsi Z, Rostamkhani S, Ghashghaie S, Abbaszade M, Arbabi A, Hossieni SM, Sadeghi-Naini M, Atlasi R, Kankam SB, Vaccaro AR, Guest J, Fehlings M, Rahimi-Movaghar V. Challenges in traumatic spinal cord injury care in developing countries - a scoping review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1377513. [PMID: 39224559 PMCID: PMC11368135 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1377513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the leading challenges in developing countries' traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) care. Methods We conducted a systematic search in electronic databases of PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library on 16 April 2023. Studies that investigated challenges associated with the management of TSCI in developing countries were eligible for review. We extracted related outcomes and categorized them into four distinct parts: injury prevention, pre-hospital care, in-hospital care, and post-hospital care. Results We identified 82 articles that met the eligibility criteria including 13 studies on injury prevention, 25 on pre-hospital care, 32 on in-hospital care, and 61 on post-hospital care. Challenges related to post-hospital problems including the personal, financial, and social consequences of patients' disabilities and the deficiencies in empowering people with TSCI were foremost studied. Lack of trained human resources, insufficient public education and delays in care delivery were barriers in the acute and chronic management of TSCI. A well-defined pre-hospital network and standard guidelines for the management of acute neurotrauma are needed. Critical challenges in injury prevention include deficiencies in infrastructure and supportive legislation. Conclusion Studies focusing on injury prevention and pre-hospital care in TSCI management in developing countries warrant further investigation. It is imperative to develop systematic and evidence-based initiatives that are specifically tailored to the unique circumstances of each country to address these challenges effectively. By understanding the primary obstacles, policymakers and healthcare providers can establish goals for improving education, planning, legislation, and resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elaheh Khodadoust
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Farzin Farahbakhsh
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Ghodsi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sabra Rostamkhani
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahryar Ghashghaie
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahkame Abbaszade
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Arbabi
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Maede Hossieni
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sadeghi-Naini
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neurosurgery Department, Shohada Hospital, Lorestan University of medical sciences, Khoram-Abad, Iran
| | - Rasha Atlasi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran, Iran
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samuel Berchi Kankam
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alexander R. Vaccaro
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - James Guest
- Department of Orthopedics and Neurosurgery, Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael Fehlings
- Neurosurgery and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vafa Rahimi-Movaghar
- Sina Trauma and Surgery Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Surgery and Spine Program, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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Fischer G, Bättig L, Stienen MN, Curt A, Fehlings MG, Hejrati N. Advancements in neuroregenerative and neuroprotective therapies for traumatic spinal cord injury. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1372920. [PMID: 38812974 PMCID: PMC11133582 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1372920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs) continue to be a major healthcare concern, with a rising prevalence worldwide. In response to this growing medical challenge, considerable scientific attention has been devoted to developing neuroprotective and neuroregenerative strategies aimed at improving the prognosis and quality of life for individuals with SCIs. This comprehensive review aims to provide an up-to-date and thorough overview of the latest neuroregenerative and neuroprotective therapies currently under investigation. These strategies encompass a multifaceted approach that include neuropharmacological interventions, cell-based therapies, and other promising strategies such as biomaterial scaffolds and neuro-modulation therapies. In addition, the review discusses the importance of acute clinical management, including the role of hemodynamic management as well as timing and technical aspects of surgery as key factors mitigating the secondary injury following SCI. In conclusion, this review underscores the ongoing scientific efforts to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life, focusing on upcoming strategies for the management of traumatic SCI. Each section provides a working knowledge of the fundamental preclinical and patient trials relevant to clinicians while underscoring the pathophysiologic rationale for the therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Fischer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Linda Bättig
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Martin N. Stienen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael G. Fehlings
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nader Hejrati
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
- Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, Medical School of St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
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Asif H, Tsan SEH, Zoumprouli A, Papadopoulos MC, Saadoun S. Evolving trends in the surgical, anaesthetic, and intensive care management of acute spinal cord injuries in the UK. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2024; 33:1213-1222. [PMID: 38217717 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-08085-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE We surveyed the treatment of acute spinal cord injuries in the UK and compared current practices with 10 years ago. METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted amongst neurosurgeons, neuroanaesthetists, and neurointensivists that manage patients with acute spinal cord injuries. The survey gave two scenarios (complete and incomplete cervical spinal cord injuries). We obtained opinions on the speed of transfer, timing and aim of surgery, choice of anaesthetic, intraoperative monitoring, targets for physiological parameters, and drug treatments. RESULTS We received responses from 78.6% of UK units that manage acute spinal cord injuries (33 neurosurgeons, 56 neuroanaesthetists/neurointensivists). Most neurosurgeons operate within 12 h for incomplete (82%) and complete (64%) injuries. There is a significant shift from 10 years ago, when only 61% (incomplete) and 30% (complete) of neurosurgeons operated within 12 h. The preferred anaesthetic technique in 2022 is total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), used by 69% of neuroanaesthetists. Significantly more intraoperative monitoring is now used at least sometimes, including bispectral index (91%), non-invasive cardiac output (62%), and neurophysiology (73-77%). Methylprednisolone is no longer used by surgeons. Achieving at least 80 mmHg mean arterial blood pressure is recommended by 70% neurosurgeons, 62% neuroanaesthetists, and 75% neurointensivists. CONCLUSIONS Between 2012 and 2022, there was a paradigm shift in managing acute spinal cord injuries in the UK with earlier surgery and more intraoperative monitoring. Variability in practice persists due to lack of high-quality evidence and consensus guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Asif
- Academic Neurosurgery Unit, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's, University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | | | - Argyro Zoumprouli
- Neurointensive Care Unit, St. George's Hospital, London, SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Marios C Papadopoulos
- Academic Neurosurgery Unit, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's, University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Samira Saadoun
- Academic Neurosurgery Unit, Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's, University of London, London, SW17 0RE, UK.
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Quddusi A, Pedro KM, Alvi MA, Hejrati N, Fehlings MG. Early surgical intervention for acute spinal cord injury: time is spine. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2023; 165:2665-2674. [PMID: 37468659 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05698-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a devastating occurrence that significantly contributes to global morbidity and mortality. Surgical decompression with stabilization is the most effective way to minimize the damaging sequelae that follow acute tSCI. In recent years, strong evidence has emerged that supports the rationale that early surgical intervention, within 24 h following the initial injury, is associated with a better prognosis and functional outcomes. In this review, we have summarized the evidence and elaborated on the nuances of this concept. Additionally, we have reviewed further concepts that stem from "time is spine," including earlier cutoffs less than 24 h and the challenging entity of central cord syndrome, as well as the emerging concept of adequate surgical decompression. Lastly, we identify barriers to early surgical care for acute tSCI, a key aspect of spine care that needs to be globally addressed via research and policy on an urgent basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Quddusi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karlo M Pedro
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohammed Ali Alvi
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nader Hejrati
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst Street, Suite 4WW-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada.
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Hejrati N, Wong R, Khazaei M, Fehlings MG. How can clinical safety and efficacy concerns in stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury be overcome? Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:883-899. [PMID: 37545020 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2245321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to severe neurological dysfunction. Despite scientific and medical advances, clinically effective regenerative therapies including stem cells are lacking for SCI. AREAS COVERED This paper discusses translational challenges related to the safe, effective use of stem cells for SCI, with a focus on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), Schwann cells (SCs), olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We discuss approaches to enhance the efficacy of cell-based strategies by i) addressing patient heterogeneity and enhancing patient selection; ii) selecting cell type, cell source, cell developmental stage, and delivery technique; iii) enhancing graft integration and mitigating immune-mediated graft rejection; and iv) ensuring availability of cells. Additionally, we review strategies to optimize outcomes including combinatorial use of rehabilitation and discuss ways to mitigate potential risks of tumor formation associated with stem cell-based strategies. EXPERT OPINION Basic science research will drive translational advances to develop stem cell-based therapies for SCI. Genetic, serological, and imaging biomarkers may enable individualization of cell-based treatments. Moreover, combinatorial strategies will be required to enhance graft survival, migration and functional integration, to enable precision-based intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Hejrati
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Neurosurgery & Spine Center of Eastern Switzerland, Cantonal Hospital St.Gallen, St.Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Raymond Wong
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohamad Khazaei
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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González-Viejo MA, Avellanet M, Boada-Pladellorens A, Montesinos-Magraner L, Jaúregui-Abrisqueta ML, Bárbara-Bataller E, Méndez-Ferrer B, Sánchez-Raya J, Cívicos N, Méndez-Suarez JL, Barrera-Chacón JM. International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey: Socioeconomic and Healthcare Satisfaction in Spain. Global Spine J 2023:21925682231183972. [PMID: 37326207 DOI: 10.1177/21925682231183972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Survey study. OBJECTIVES People living with spinal cord injury (SCI) are major healthcare and rehabilitation services consumers and have unmet healthcare needs. This study aimed to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of people living with SCI in Spain and to determine the level of use and satisfaction with the public healthcare system. METHODS We conducted a survey (the Spanish version of the International Spinal Cord Injury Community Survey) consisting of 134 questions. We analyzed the age, sex, neurological classification of the injury on the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale, time of injury, socio-occupational and socioeconomic status, and level of use and satisfaction with the public health system. RESULTS 472 people responded to the survey [68.9% male; mean age 51.2 years (standard deviation: 13.9 years); 61.7% with paraplegia and 38.3% with tetraplegia]. 89.2% of those surveyed were unemployed and 77.1% received a disability pension. The number of medical visits was 2.3/year, and 19.8% of the patients required at least 1 hospital admission during the previous year. 94.7% of the people with SCI considered the health care received as good or very good. CONCLUSIONS Respondents with SCI in Spain considered they had good access to primary and specialized care and were satisfied with the healthcare system. Notably, we observed a high average of annual visits to medical professionals but a low rate of hospitalizations. Technical aids and state services related to disability should be the most important elements to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merce Avellanet
- Rehabilitation Department, Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell, Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra
| | - Anna Boada-Pladellorens
- Rehabilitation Department, Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell, Escaldes-Engordany, Andorra
| | | | | | - Enrique Bárbara-Bataller
- SCI Unit, Hospital Universitario Insular Materno-infantil de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | | | | | - Nora Cívicos
- SCI Unit, Hospital Universitario Cruces, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - José Luis Méndez-Suarez
- SCI Unit, Hospital Universitario Insular Materno-infantil de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
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