Trends in rates of ASIA impairment scale conversion in traumatic complete spinal cord injury

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J89301

Journal:

Neurotrauma Reports

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2020 , 1, 1, 192-200

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined the rate of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grade conversion over time after complete spinal cord injury (SCI), accounting for demographic and injury characteristics. Data obtained from the SCI Model Systems database were grouped into 3-year intervals, and trends in AIS grade conversion over time were assessed for the total sample, tetraplegia (Tetra), high paraplegia (T1–9, HPara) and low paraplegia (T10–12, LPara). Conversion to incomplete was defined as a change from AIS-A to AIS grades B to E, and conversion to motor incomplete was defined as a change from AIS-A to AIS grades C to E. Logistic regression was used to identify factors related to conversion such as age, sex, etiology, and level of injury. A total of 1,876 of the 2,036 subjects had a follow-up examination between 30 and 730 days after injury. Average age at injury was 34.2 years; 79.8 percent were male, 44.6 percent Tetra, 35.3 percent HPara, and 20.1 percent LPara. There was a strong trend toward increased rates of conversion over time, especially for Tetra. Conversion rates for Para were less dramatic. There were increased odds of converting to incomplete for year of injury, level of injury (Tetra >LPara >HPara), non-violent etiology, and age (older is better). Similar factors were found for conversion to motor incomplete, except sex was significant and etiology was not.

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