Predictors for return to work after spinal cord injury: a 3-year multicenter analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the ability of the Motor Index Score (MIS), in combination with demographic variables, to predict return to work during a 3-year period for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

Prospectively collected data, between 1986 and 1995, submitted to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center were analyzed to determine the prediction of return to work utilizing variables of education, ethnicity, age, marital status, gender, and MIS. Individuals, aged 18 to 65 yrs, employed at the time of their injury, were evaluated at discharge from rehabilitation and at 1 (YR1), 2 (YR2), and 3 (YR3) years postinjury (sample sizes of 1,857, 1,486, and 1,177, respectively).

RESULTS

The most important predictors of return to work were education, MIS, ethnicity, and age at onset of SCI. These variables resulted in a high rate of accuracy for predicting across all 3 yrs (YR1, 81%; YR2, 82%; YR3, 77%).

CONCLUSIONS

The ability to predict return to work after SCI was shown utilizing MIS and demographic variables, with nearly 80% accuracy. This suggests that return to work after SCI is a dynamic process, with the level of importance of each variable changing with time postinjury.

Uterine emergencies. Atony, inversion, and rupture

Uterine atony, inversion, and rupture are potentially fatal events that may occur in pregnancy. They are obstetric emergencies that require immediate attention. Although all women may experience these complications, identification or known risk factors allow the obstetric team to prepare for rapid diagnosis and intervention. This article includes management options to help prepare for these uncommon events.

Laparoscopic management of adnexal masses in premenopausal and postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic adnexal mass removal in patients without preselection for benign pathology and assess the operative complications and findings.

METHODS

All patients presenting to the gynecologic oncology service between April 1992 and April 1996 with adnexal masses were candidates for laparoscopic management. Patients underwent preoperative radiological studies and office pelvic examination. Laparoscopic management was attempted on patients without evidence of gross metastatic disease or masses that extended above the umbilicus. Laparotomy was performed if indicated by pathologic findings or technical difficulty. All removed adnexal masses were sent for immediate pathologic diagnosis. The type of procedure, intraoperative findings, and complications were all recorded at the time of procedure.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty patients underwent laparoscopic evaluation for an adnexal mass. Benign pathology was discovered in 139 (87%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 84, 90) patients, and 141 (88%, 95% CI 86, 91) patients were managed laparoscopically. Reasons for laparotomy included technical difficulty, operative complications, or malignancy. Frozen section diagnosis was concordant with the final pathology reports in all but five patients (97% concordance), and no discrepancies resulted in treatment delays.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic management of adnexal masses can be successful in a gynecologic oncology population if there is expertise in operative laparoscopy, availability of immediate accurate pathologic examination, and appropriate further treatment where indicated.