Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal

Accession No.:

J76873

Journal:


Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

, 98, 9, 1800-1805

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study determined the prevalence and cumulative incidence of secondary complications of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the first year after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and evaluated potential associations between risk of complications and sociodemographic and injury-specific factors. Data were collected from 169 adults with SCI who participated in a randomized controlled trial comparing telephone follow-up (at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months) with usual care during the first year after discharge. During each phone interview, participants were asked whether they had developed any of a specified list of 10 SCI-related complications since they were last contacted by the research team. Participants experienced a mean of 4.7 complications over 12 months. The most frequently reported complications were urinary tract infection (UTI), autonomic dysreflexia (AD), and pressure ulcers, with cumulative incidences of 62, 43, and 41 percent, respectively. Bone and soft tissue injuries (cumulative incidence, 35 percent) and bowel problems, including impaction or severe constipation (cumulative incidence, 33 percent), were also common. Cumulative incidences of AD, decubitus ulcers, UTI, and problems with bladder were greater in participants with higher level and more complete injuries, and some recurrent complications were common. Age at injury and impairment level significantly affected rates of complications, and subjects developed an average of 2.33 distinct complications during the study period. Although these data offer some insight into who with SCI is at highest risk for first time and recurrent complications, further study is needed to refine this understanding and to develop effective educational and prevention strategies.

Author(s):