Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
Experimental Strategies to Bridge Large Tissue Gaps in the Injured Spinal Cord after Acute and Chronic Lesion
Published on: April 5, 2016
MRSA colonisation in spinal cord injury: implications on patients rehabilitation
Hazem Hassouna1, Ehsan Ul Haq, Angela Gall
1Spinal Cord Injury Centre, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, UK. hhassouna@gmail.com
Abstract:
MRSA has become a major cause of nosocomial and community acquired infections in the past few years. Our hypothesis is that MRSA colonisation affects the length of stay in hospital, thereby adding a strain on resources. Data from the last 20 patients admitted to the Spinal Injury Care Unit (SICU) who were MRSA positive (study group) have been analysed and then matched with data from 20 patients who were MRSA negative (control group) to compare their total hospital stay and the factors which affect the length of hospital stay. The mean age of the study group patients was 38.8 years. The average time between injury and admission in SICU was 76.5 days in the study group compared to 28.7 days in the control. The mean stay duration was 412.15 days in the study group as opposed to 187.2 days in the control group. Nearly 45% had developed pressure sores in the study group as compared to 25% in the control group. Our study indicates that MRSA colonisation in spinal injured patients leads to longer hospital stay, delay in admission to spinal care units, and development of pressure sores and further infection. These factors have adverse effects on patients' rehabilitation.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization significantly prolongs hospital stays for spinal cord injury patients. This increases healthcare resource utilization and negatively impacts patient rehabilitation outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a growing concern in both hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections.
- MRSA colonization may impact patient outcomes and healthcare resource utilization, particularly in vulnerable populations like spinal cord injury patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of MRSA colonization on hospital length of stay (LOS) in spinal cord injury patients.
- To compare factors influencing LOS between MRSA-positive and MRSA-negative patient groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 20 MRSA-positive (study group) and 20 MRSA-negative (control group) patients admitted to a Spinal Injury Care Unit (SICU).
- Matched data to compare total hospital stay duration and associated factors.
- Analysis included age, time to SICU admission, LOS, and incidence of pressure sores.
Main Results:
- MRSA-positive patients had a significantly longer mean LOS (412.15 days) compared to MRSA-negative patients (187.2 days).
- MRSA colonization was associated with a longer delay in admission to the SICU (76.5 days vs. 28.7 days).
- A higher incidence of pressure sores was observed in the MRSA-positive group (45%) versus the control group (25%).
Conclusions:
- MRSA colonization in spinal cord injury patients is linked to extended hospital stays and delayed rehabilitation.
- Increased incidence of pressure sores and secondary infections contribute to prolonged LOS in MRSA-colonized patients.
- These findings highlight the significant burden MRSA poses on patient recovery and healthcare resources within spinal injury care settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology
01:14Spinal Cord Injury ll: Pathophysiology
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance