Abstract
Background: Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major life limiting issue for many patients. However, studies detailing the factors contributing to bowel problems are scarce. The aim of this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was to evaluate the associations between different aspects of bowel problems and characteristics of SCI, such as time since injury (TSI), level of injury (LOI), and the cause of injury. Methods: Two questionnaires (the NBD score questionnaire and the Cleveland clinic constipation system score questionnaire) were administered to complete, traumatic patients with SCI that matched the designated criteria. The total scores and the subscales were then regressed to TSI and LOI, and the distribution patterns of NBD score severity according to LOI and cause of injury were shown in a diagram. Results: Within the subscales of the NBD score, frequency of defecation, digital stimulation or evacuation of the anorectum, and perianal skin problems were all significantly and positively correlated with the TSI, yet the frequency of fecal incontinence was negatively associated with this variable. Moreover, uneasiness, headache, or perspiration during defecation and regular use of drops against constipation were negatively associated with the LOI. In the diagrams, patterns of NBD score severity were similar according to LOI, but visibly differed according to cause. With respect to the CCCS score (Cleveland Clinic Constipation Scoring System), the score itself was shown to be positively associated with TSI. Within the subscales, difficulty, time spent in lavatory, and duration of constipation were positively correlated with TSI. Furthermore, type of assistance was negatively associated with the LOI. Conclusion: Different characteristics of SCI, TSI, LOI, and cause, each are significantly and distinctly associated with different aspects of the bowel problems that patients with SCI face.
Highlights
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition that produces a wave of unfortunate ramifications, affecting most, if not all organs
Within the subscales of the Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) score, frequency of defecation, digital stimulation or evacuation of the anorectum, and perianal skin problems were all significantly and positively #These authors contributed correlated with the TSI, yet the frequency of fecal incontinence was negatively associated with to this work
With respect 2021 to the Clinic constipation system (CCCS) score (Cleveland Clinic Constipation Scoring System), the score itself was shown to be positively associated with TSI
Summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition that produces a wave of unfortunate ramifications, affecting most, if not all organs. Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major life limiting issue for many patients. Studies detailing the factors contributing to bowel problems are scarce. The aim of this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was to evaluate the associations between different aspects of bowel problems and characteristics of SCI, such as time. Tel: +9821-22438023, Fax: +982122438023; LOI, and the distribution patterns of NBD score severity according to LOI and cause of injury were Email: Akhlaghpasandm@
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
