International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) database: Asian Spinal Cord Network (ASCoN) Pilot Project [IDAPP]

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Epidemiology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Global mapping revealed a lack of traumatic spinal cord injury (T-SCI) data from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• The International SCI Database for Application and Development Project (IDAPP) was initiated to address this data gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the suitability of database variables, processes, and web platform for a large-scale global T-SCI project.
• To collect demographic and injury data for developing prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A one-year pilot study involving nine Asian centers.
• Inclusion of all newly admitted T-SCI patients.
• Utilized International SCI Core Data Set and Minimal Safety Data Set; feedback gathered via questionnaire.

Main Results:

• The pilot study confirmed the appropriateness of the database variables, processes, and web platform.
• Data entry and retrieval were efficient, with a total cost of USD 7780 for the year.
• 975 patients were enrolled, with high falls (52%) as the leading cause of T-SCI, predominantly affecting males (81%) and resulting in complete injuries (56%) and thoracic/lumbar regions (53%).

Conclusions:

• Establishing an SCI database is feasible using the pilot study's framework.
• The IDAPP study offers a cost-effective solution for global SCI data collection.
• Future steps include expanding to more centers/regions and incorporating non-traumatic SCI data.