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A Contusion Model of Severe Spinal Cord Injury in Rats
Published on: August 17, 2013
Risk factors in iatrogenic spinal cord injury.
A Montalva-Iborra1, M Alcanyis-Alberola2, C Grao-Castellote1
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, Valencia, Spain.
Spinal Cord
|April 5, 2017
Summary
Iatrogenic spinal cord injury is a frequent complication, affecting 18.18% of patients. Depression history and anticoagulant/antiplatelet use are associated risk factors for these injuries.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- Public Health
Background:
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) aetiology is shifting, with an increase in elderly patients experiencing SCI due to medical conditions or procedures.
- Iatrogenic causes of SCI are becoming more prevalent, necessitating investigation into their frequency and associated risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of iatrogenic spinal cord injury (iSCI) within a specific clinical unit.
- To identify patient-specific variables linked to an elevated risk of iatrogenic spinal cord injury.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, descriptive, observational study was conducted on 265 acute spinal cord injury patients admitted between June 2009 and May 2014.
- Data collected included demographics, injury aetiology, neurological status, cardiovascular risk factors, depression history, and medication use (anticoagulants, antiplatelets).
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify significant risk factors (P<0.05).
Main Results:
- Iatrogenic causes accounted for 18.18% (48 cases) of the studied spinal cord injuries.
- The most common injury level was thoracic (48%).
- Surgery for degenerative spine disease was the primary iatrogenic aetiology; younger patients (<30) received intrathecal chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Iatrogenic spinal cord injury represents a significant and frequent complication in clinical practice.
- A history of depression and the use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs were found to be statistically significant risk factors for iatrogenic spinal cord injury.
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