Characteristics of Non-traumatic Spinal Cord Dysfunction in Canada Using Administrative Health Data

Background: There is a paucity of studies using administrative health data to examine the epidemiology, health care utilization, and outcomes for non-traumatic spinal cord dysfunction (NTSCD). Objective: The purpose of this study is to characterize discrete NTSCD cohorts using decision algorithms with Canadian health administrative databases. Method: Data were provided by the Canadian Institute for Health Information that included all acute care hospital, day surgery, ambulatory, and inpatient rehabilitation records of patients with neurological impairment between April 1, 2004 and March 31, 2011. Diagnostic codes for neurological impairment and NTSCD etiology were used to identify cases and classify 3 NTSCD groups (most likely, probable, and possible). Logistic regression identified factors related to inpatient rehabilitation admission within 7 days of discharge among the preferred group. Results: The most likely NTSCD group (n = 6,362) was significantly older and had a greater proportion of women and individuals with cauda equina lesions compared to the other 2 NTSCD groups (probable [n = 2,777] and possible [n = 11,179]; ps < .001). Factors associated with the likelihood of an inpatient rehabilitation admission included being older (odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01), being female (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06-1.32), having paraplegia diagnosis compared to cauda equina (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09-1.41), residing in an urban area compared to a rural area (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.13-1.58), having degenerative etiology compared to other (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.41-1.80), and having an MRI on record compared to not (OR = 1.57; 95% CI, 1.39-1.76). Conclusion: Administrative data allow for ongoing surveillance of a population in a relatively cost-effective manner. Advancing our knowledge of NTSCD epidemiology, health outcomes, and system performance can inform policy and system planning.