@Article{Joseph2009,
journal="Archives of Medical Science",
issn="1734-1922",
volume="5",
number="2",
year="2009",
title="Three-year study of spinal cord injury outcomes and related secondary complications in a tertiary centre \– a retrospective analysis",
abstract="  Introduction:   The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes and occurrence of secondary complications in an acute spinal cord injury (SCI) during the in-patient phase.   Material and methods:   The records of all patients (n = 357) admitted between June 2003 and June 2006 to the spinal ward were reviewed retrospectively.  A proforma was prepared to obtain relevant information regarding demographic data, complications acquired and treatment received by the patients.   Results:   Of 357 patients, only 77 (58 male, 19 female) who presented with neurological deficits were included in this study. Thirty-nine percent of them were between 54 and 64 years. Motor vehicle accidents (39%) were identified to be the leading cause of SCI. Paraplegia (72.7%) was the commonest resultant outcome. In terms of outcome grading, a larger number of subjects were in ASIA D (42%) followed by ASIA C (31.2%), with only 5.2% recovered fully.  Of the complications, bladder and bowel problems were the most frequent (65%), followed by spasticity (27.3%) and pressure ulcer (26%). Obviously those with tetraplegia were at higher risk for all secondary complications. Mechanical loading was effective in prevention of spasticity in around 70% of cases. The importance of breathing exercises was evident in that 80.5% did not develop pulmonary complications Although psychological problems had a lower incidence (13%), it could be due to the fact that it was under-recognized. Depressive symptoms were the predominant mode of presentation.   Conclusions:   This study gives us information on SCI related complications in our centre which then sets a background to look into reducing incidence of urinary problems, pressure ulcer and severity of spasticity, and also implementing and improving SCI care services.",
author="Joseph, Leonard H.
and Ismail, Ohnmar Htwe Hj.
and Naicker, Amara S.
and Ying, Pua Pek
and Mohammad, Abdul R.",
pages="190--194",
url="https://www.termedia.pl/Three-year-study-of-spinal-cord-injury-outcomes-and-related-secondary-complications-in-a-tertiary-centre-8211-a-retrospective-analysis,19,12873,1,1.html"
}