Study investigated the relationship between the Asia Impairment Scale (AIS) and bladder and bowel functions after spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants underwent an International Standards for Neurologic Classification After SCI (ISNCSCI) examination along with evaluation of the sacral components of bladder and bowel function from the International Standards to Document Remaining Autonomic Function after SCI (ISAFSCI). Seventy-two individuals with SCI were included in the analysis:38 participants with AIS A injury, 5 with AIS B, and 29 with C, D, or E injuries. Results indicated that subjects with AIS A injuries were statistically less likely to have history of bladder control and bowel control per investigator determination and bladder sensation via self-report versus patients categorized with AIS B injuries. Self-reported history of bowel sensation and control of voiding were more likely in subjects with C, D, or E injuries than with B injuries. Bowel and bladder control as determined by investigator and bladder and bowel sensation and control as self-reported were all statistically less likely in persons with AIS A injuries versus CDE. This study provides initial data regarding components of the bladder and bowel sections of the sacral ISAFSCI and AIS. Further prospective research is needed to further characterize the relationship between retention of bladder and bowel sensation and function and the AIS. The authors suggest that incorporation of the sacral components of the ISAFSCI into the ISNCSCI may be beneficial to obtain further information about retention of sacral function with specific patterns of injury.
Author(s):
Alexander, Marca |Carr, Conley |Alexander, Jagger |Chen, Yuying |McLain, Amie|
