Characterizing the need for mechanical ventilation following cervical spinal cord injury with neurologic deficit

Patients who sustain cervical spinal cord injury (C-SCI) with neurologic deficit may require a definitive airway and/or prolonged mechanical ventilation. The purpose of this study was to characterize factors associated with a high risk for respiratory failure and/or the need for mechanical ventilation in C-SCI patients.

Patients with C-SCI and neurologic deficit admitted to a Level I Trauma Center between July 1, 2000 and June 30, 2002 were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, level and completeness of neurologic deficit, need for definitive airway, need for tracheostomy, need for mechanical ventilation at hospital discharge (MVDC), and outcomes. The level and completeness of injury were defined by American Spinal Injury Association standards.

One hundred nineteen patients with C-SCI and neurologic deficit were identified over this period. Of these, 45 were identified as complete C-SCI: 12 (27%) patients had levels of C1 to C4; 19 (42%) had a level of C5; and 14 (31%) had levels of C6 and below. There were 37 males and 8 females. There were 36 blunt and 9 penetrating injuries. The average age of these patients was 40 +/- 21, and the average ISS was 45+/-22. Eight of the patients with complete C-SCI died, for a mortality of 18%. Of the 37 survivors, 92% received a definitive airway, 81% received tracheostomy, and 51% required MVDC. All patients with complete injuries at the C5 level and above required a definitive airway and tracheostomy, and 71% of survivors required MVDC. Of the patients with complete injuries of C6 and below, 79% received a definitive airway, 50% required tracheostomy, and 15% of survivors required MVDC. Only 35% of incomplete injuries required a definitive airway, and only 7% required tracheostomy.

The need for definitive airway control, tracheostomy, and ventilator dependence is significant, especially for patients with high complete C-SCI. Based on these results we recommend consideration of early intubation and tracheostomy for patients with complete C-SCI, especially for those with levels of C5 and above.