Epidemiological Characteristics and Respiratory Impairments in Patients with Traumatic Spinal Cord injury

Abstract

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a debilitating condition that can lead to various secondary complications, including significant respiratory impairments. Understanding the epidemiological characteristics of SCI patients and the nature of their respiratory challenges is crucial for improving patient care and outcomes.

Study design and subjects: Descriptive analysis of data of patients with SCI admitted to Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, Maharashtra. from Jan 2020 to Dec 2023.

Objectives: To identify the epidemiological characteristics of Cervical and Thoracic SCI and respiratory impairments in patients with SCI.

Setting: Smt.Sindhutai E.Vikhe Patil SCI Rehab Centre, Pravara Rural Hospital, Loni, Maharashtra.

Methods: A total of 43 patients with traumatic spinal injuries were included in the study. The patient characteristics that were included were age groups, Height, Weight, BMI, Cause of injury, neurological level of injury and Respiratory impairments.

Results: The maximum number of patients was in the age range of 20 to 40 years. There were 43 patients with neurological deficit. Mechanisms of injury recorded were fall from height (4.60%), motor vehicle accidents (95%).The different levels of spine that sustained injuries were High tetraplegics ( 20.9%) , Low tetraplegics (18.6%) High paraplegics (41.8%), Low paraplegics (18.6%).

Conclusion: This study gives a preliminary overview of the characteristics of patients and common respiratory impairments in patients with SCI.