PROFILE OF SPINAL CORD TRAUMA VICTIMS TREATED AT A REFERENCE UNIT IN SÃO PAULO

Alex Oliveira De Araujo,Danilo De Souza Ferronato,Raphael Martus Marcon,Alexandre Fogaça Cristante,Tarcísio Eloy Pessoa De Barros Filho,Ivan Dias Da Rocha

doi:10.1590/s1808-185120181701178599

Alex Oliveira De Araujo, Danilo De Souza Ferronato + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/s1808-185120181701178599

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Journal: Coluna/Columna	Publication Date: Mar 1, 2018
Citations: 4	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Universidade de São Paulo

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spinal cord trauma (SCT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. It affects different age groups, especially young adults who are victims of high-energy trauma. The most effective way to reduce the incidence of spinal cord trauma and its consequences is through preventive campaigns and control and surveillance measures through public agencies. The objective of this study is to outline the epidemiological profile of patients with spinal cord trauma attended at a tertiary care center in the city of São Paulo. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study performed at a reference center for the care of patients with spinal cord injury in the State of São Paulo. Data were collected from the medical records of patients with spinal cord trauma between 2012 and 2016. Results: Of the 515 patients with spinal trauma, 153 (29.7%) had spinal cord injury of which 131 (85.62%) were male, and 22 (14.37%) were female, in a ratio of approximately 6:1. The mean age was 39.45 years. The main cause of spinal cord trauma observed was the fall from heights, with 72 cases (47.05%), and 52.94% were classified as Frankel A. Conclusions: The results showed that the majority of the patients were young, economically active, with low educational level, exposed to accidents that could be largely avoided. Most of these patients also had severe disabling injuries, which usually bring considerable psychological sequelae and economic consequences to the individual and to society. Level of evidence: IV. Type of study: Case series.

Highlights

Spinal cord trauma (SCT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the world
153 (29.7%) had spinal cord trauma presenting some level of neurological deficit at the time of initial care
In terms of education level, 106 (69.28%) did not complete high school and 47 (30.72%) graduated from high school (Figure 3). Because it is a public health network referral center for patients suffering from spinal cord trauma, several municipalities send cases to be treated at this location

Summary

Introduction

Spinal cord trauma (SCT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the world It affects different age groups, especially young adults who are victims of high-energy trauma. Conclusions: The results showed that the majority of the patients were young, economically active, with low educational level, exposed to accidents that could be largely avoided Most of these patients had severe disabling injuries, which usually bring considerable psychological sequelae and economic consequences to the individual and to society. Spinal cord trauma (SCT) usually leads to serious consequences for the population, whether physical, psychological, or economic, and these consequences generally persist for the rest of the victim’s life.[1,2] It is a significant cause of morbidity, mortality, and disability worldwide, affecting mainly young, economically active adults.[3,4]. The survival of these patients has increased with improvements in pre-hospital care and with the technical advancements in treatment and rehabilitation, but the incidence of new cases remains high.[4]

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