Episodes Of Autonomic Dysreflexia Research Articles

Neuroprotective agents ineffective in mitigating autonomic dysreflexia following experimental spinal cord injury

Background and objectivesLoss of supraspinal cardiovascular control and secondary damage following spinal cord injury (SCI) lead to cardiovascular dysfunction, where autonomic dysreflexia (AD), triggered by stimuli below the injury, can cause uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) surges, posing severe health risks such as stroke and seizures. While anti-inflammatory neuroprotective agents have been studied for motor recovery, their impact on cardiovascular function remains under investigated. The objective was to assess the efficacy of four clinically approved neuroprotective agents in promoting cardiovascular recovery following SCI. MethodsMale Wistar rats received contusion at the third thoracic spinal segment (T3). Fluoxetine, Glyburide, Valproic acid, and Indomethacin were first administered at 1 h or 6 h post-SCI, and every 12 h for two weeks thereafter. Four weeks following SCI, hemodynamics were measured at rest and during colorectal distension. Locomotor function was assessed prior to SCI and weekly for four weeks after SCI, using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale. Quantitative comparisons of lesion area were performed. ResultsContrary to the published literature, Indomethacin and Valproic acid resulted in high morbidity and mortality rates 60 % and 40 % respectively) within 2–3 days of administration. Fluoxetine, and Glyburide were well-tolerated. There were no differences in change in systolic BP with colorectal distension compared to control i.e., all experimental groups experienced severe episodes of AD [F(6, 67) = 0.94, p = 0.47]. There was no significant difference in BBB scores in any experimental group compared to control [F(18, 252) = 0.3, p = 0.99]. No between-group differences were observed in tissue sparing at the lesion epicentre [F(6, 422) = 6.98, p = 0.29]. DiscussionDespite promising beneficial effect reported in previous studies, none of the drugs demonstrated improvement in cardiovascular or motor function. Indomethacin and Valproic acid exhibited unexpected high mortality at doses deemed safe in the literature. This emphasizes the necessity for reproducibility studies in pre-clinical research and underscores the importance of publishing null findings to guide future investigations.

Heart Rate Variability-Based Prediction of Autonomic Dysreflexia After Spinal Cord Injury.

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a common autonomic complication of spinal cord injury (SCI) characterized by a sudden increase is blood pressure triggered by peripheral stimulation, such as bladder distention. Iatrogenic AD events often occur during various medical procedures including urodynamic assessments (UDSs) used to evaluate lower urinary tract (LUT) function in individuals with SCI. To date, there are no established clinical practices that would allow early detection of the development of episodes of AD. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a reliable and non-invasive metric for evaluating autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system, with demonstrated utility in people with SCI during UDSs. We aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation of cardiovascular function during UDS-induced AD using ultra-short-term HRV analysis and identify changes in cardiovascular dynamics to predict the onset of AD. We assessed cardiovascular data in a total of 24 participants with sensorimotor complete SCI above T6 (17 males, 7 females, median age = 43 [36-50] years) who experienced AD during UDS. We used continuous electrocardiographic recordings to evaluate HRV in 60 sec overlapping windows during filling cystometry. The mean of "normal-to-normal" heartbeats (meanNN), its standard deviation (SDNN), and the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) were calculated and used in all subsequent analyses. We found that SDNN and RMSSD diminished during the early phase of bladder filling and sharply increased during AD. Using the lowest point of statistical variability in heart rate (i.e., SDNN), we were able to predict AD events within 240 sec (percentile 25-percentile 75: 172-339 sec) before the first systolic blood pressure peak after AD onset (sensitivity = 0.667; specificity = 0.875). Our results indicated a temporary increase in sympathetic activity during the early phase of bladder filling, which is followed by an increase in parasympathetic outflow to the heart when AD occurs. These findings have significant clinical implications that extend beyond the context of UDS and demonstrate the importance of identifying early changes in HRV in order to accurately predict AD episodes in people living with SCI.

Transanal irrigation to treat chronic constipation in patients with spinal cord injury: a case study.

This case study explores the benefits of transanal irrigation as a treatment for a patient with a spinal cord injury who was experiencing chronic constipation. In this case, the patient was having episodes of autonomic dysreflexia as a result of the constipation. This condition is unique to patients with spinal cord injury and presents a stroke risk. The article outlines the contraindications and cautions that need to be considered in assessing a patient's suitability for transanal irrigation, and the elements that form part of a holistic assessment by a specialist nurse.

Nursing Intervention for the Timing of Catheterization in a Patient with Frequent Abnormal Autonomic Reflexes from Cervical Medullary Injury: A Case Report

Introduction: Cervical medullary injury is a severe type of spinal cord injury that can lead to neurogenic bladder and neurogenic rectum, which increases the risk of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) in patients. Autonomic dysreflexia is a common group of clinical syndromes characterized by autonomic dysfunction after spinal cord injury in the T6 or higher level. If left untreated, AD can lead to severe complications such as hypertensive crisis, paroxysms, intracranial hemorrhage, and even death. Nursing interventions are crucial in selecting the timing of catheterization for a patient with frequent AD during intermittent catheterization for cervical medullary injury, enhancing the overall quality of care for patients with cervical medullary injury. Case Presentation: This study focused on a tetraplegic patient with a cervical medullary injury who developed AD during intermittent catheterization. The factors influencing AD during intermittent catheterization were explored through a literature review, urodynamics, and a bladder scanner. The nursing interventions implemented included active control of AD, personalized assessment of the risk of abnormal autonomic dysreflexia, prevention, early identification, acute episode management, precise bladder management, and implementation of a personalized care plan. After 31 days of treatment, the number of AD episodes was significantly reduced, leakage was decreased, and urine volume was controlled in the normal range with good results. The key points of care included timely control of urine output, selection of the best catheterization timing, and other health education methods. The nursing interventions played an active and effective role in maintaining normal bladder function, and the patient resumed regular intermittent catheterization. Conclusions: Nursing interventions are vital in managing patients with cervical medullary injuries who require intermittent catheterization. A comprehensive nursing care plan that includes personalized assessment and management of AD can significantly improve outcomes for these patients and prevent the occurrence of AD, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.

Safety and Feasibility of Cervical and Thoracic Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation to Improve Hand Motor Function in Children With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

ObjectiveIn adults with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI), transcutaneous spinal stimulation (scTS) has improved upper extremity strength and control. This novel noninvasive neurotherapeutic approach combined with training may modulate the inherent developmental plasticity of children with SCI, providing even greater improvements than training or stimulation alone. Because children with SCI represent a vulnerable population, we first must establish the safety and feasibility of any potential novel therapeutic approach. The objectives of this pilot study were to determine the safety, feasibility, and proof of principle of cervical and thoracic scTS for short-term effect on upper extremity strength in children with SCI. Materials and MethodsIn this nonrandomized, within-subject repeated measure design, seven participants with chronic cervical SCI performed upper extremity motor tasks without and with cervical (C3–C4 and C6–C7) and thoracic (T10–T11) site scTS. Safety and feasibility of using cervical and thoracic sites scTS were determined by the frequency count of anticipated and unanticipated risks (eg, pain, numbness). Proof-of-principle concept was tested via change in force production during hand motor tasks. ResultsAll seven participants tolerated cervical and thoracic scTS across the three days, with a wide range of stimulation intensities (cervical sites = 20–70 mA and thoracic site = 25–190 mA). Skin redness at the stimulation sites was observed in four of 21 assessments (19%) and dissipated in a few hours. No episode of autonomic dysreflexia was observed or reported. Hemodynamic parameters (systolic blood pressure and heart rate) remained within stable limits (p > 0.05) throughout the assessment time points at baseline, with scTS, and after the experiment. Hand-grip and wrist-extension strength increased (p < 0.05) with scTS. ConclusionsWe indicated that short-term application of scTS via two cervical and one thoracic site is safe and feasible in children with SCI and resulted in immediate improvements in hand-grip and wrist-extension strength in the presence of scTS. Clinical Trial RegistrationThe Clinicaltrials.gov registration number for the study is NCT04032990.

Untreated Moderate-to-Severe Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders Are Associated with Increased Frequency of Episodes of Autonomic Dysreflexia during Sleep in Individuals with Subacute or Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study. (P1-13.002)

<h3>Objective:</h3> This ongoing cross-sectional study is focused on the potential association between moderate-to-severe sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) and more severe cardiovascular dysfunction following spinal cord injury (SCI). <h3>Background:</h3> Sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) are common and under-recognized among individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI). SRBDs can affect the sympathetic response, but the impact of untreated SRBDs on cardiovascular autonomic function after SCI remains incompletely understood. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> This cross-sectional study included adults with subacute/chronic (≥1 month after SCI onset), cervical or high-thoracic (T6 or above) SCI. The diagnosis of SRBD was established using a home-based/hospital unattended sleep screening test that quantifies the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Moderate-to-severe SRBD was defined as an AHI ≥ 15 events per hour. Episodes of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) were defined as a sudden increase in systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 20 mmHg. <h3>Results:</h3> This study included 45 individuals (14 females, 31 males with ages from 20 to 84 years; mean age: 57.0 years) with motor complete (n=22) or incomplete (n=24) SCI at cervical (n=38), or high thoracic levels. Time from SCI onset varied from 1.5 months to 52 years (mean time: 49.4 months). Mean AHI was 16.0 events per hour (AHI range: 0.8–51.7). The AHI was not associated with systolic BP (mean+/−SEM: 122.0+/−2.2 mmHg; p=0.903), diastolic BP (72.6+/−3.0 mmHg; p=0.639), mean arterial pressure (90.1+/−2.4 mmHg; p=0.714), and heart rate (70.6+/−1.4 bpm; p=0.669) during sleep. However, the AHI was significantly, positively correlated with the number of silent episodes of AD (mean +/− SEM: 3.6+/−0.4; Rsqr=0.220, p=0.001) during sleep, after excluding other causes of AD. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> The results of this cross-sectional study suggest that more severe SBRBs are associated with frequent silent episodes of AD during sleep among individuals with SCI. Future research is needed to assess the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on cardiovascular dysfunction following SCI. <b>Disclosure:</b> The institution of Dr. Furlan has received research support from Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation. The institution of Dr. Furlan has received research support from Craig H Neilsen Foundation. The institution of Dr. Furlan has received research support from Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation. The institution of Dr. Furlan has received research support from Cervical Spine Research Society. The institution of Dr. Furlan has received research support from J P Bickell Foundation. The institution of Dr. Furlan has received research support from Praxis Spinal Cord Institute. The institution of Dr. Furlan has received research support from Cervical Spine Research Society. Dr. Loh has stock in Dara3D. Dr. Boulos has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Jazz Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Boulos has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Paladin Labs. Dr. Boulos has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Eisai. Dr. Boulos has received research support from Interaxon. The institution of Dr. Boulos has received research support from The Mahaffy Family Research Fund. The institution of Dr. Boulos has received research support from Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The institution of Dr. Boulos has received research support from Slamen-Fast New Initiatives in Neurology Award. The institution of Dr. Boulos has received research support from Green Mountain . Dr. Boulos has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a speaker with Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Spinal Cord Stimulation Prevents Autonomic Dysreflexia in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Series.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in severe cardiovascular dysfunction due to the disruption of supraspinal control. Autonomic dysreflexia (AD), an uncontrolled rise in blood pressure in response to peripheral stimuli including common bowel routine, digital anorectal stimulation (DARS), reduces the quality of life, and increases morbidity and mortality. Recently, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a potential intervention to mitigate unstable blood pressure following SCI. The objective of this case series was to test the real-time effect of epidural SCS (eSCS) at the lumbosacral spinal cord, the most common implant location, on mitigating AD in individuals with SCI. We recruited three individuals with cervical and upper thoracic motor-complete SCI who have an implanted epidural stimulator. We demonstrated that eSCS can reduce the elevation in blood pressure and prevent DARS-induced AD. The blood pressure variability analysis indicated that eSCS potentially reduced vascular sympathetic nervous system activity during DARS, compared to without eSCS. This case series provides evidence to support the use of eSCS to prevent AD episodes during routine bowel procedures, improving the quality of life for individuals with SCI and potentially reducing cardiovascular risks.

The risk of developing autonomic dysreflexia during urodynamic testing in patients after spinal cord injury

Introduction. Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a life-threatening dangerous condition in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) above the T6 segment level. It is characterized by a sudden rise in systolic blood pressure more than 20 mmHg, and unpredictable reactions from the autonomic nervous system. An episode of autonomic dysreflexia can lead to several cardiovascular catastrophes – heart attack and/or acute cerebrovascular accident up to a lethal outcome. Currently, there is no diagnostic algorithm and no way to determine risk factors for the occurrence of autonomic dysreflexia.Objective. To search for the most informative diagnostic criteria for autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury.Materials and methods. The study included 40 patients with SCI above the T6 segment. Depending on the SCI degree, two groups were distinguished. Group 1 (n = 14) included patients with complete spinal cord injury, advising category A on the ASIA scale. Group 2 (n = 26) included patients with incomplete spinal cord injury, classified as ASIA-B, C, D. For a preliminary assessment of the risk factors for the development of AD, an ADFSCI questionnaire was used, then a urodynamic study was conducted with simultaneous registration of systolic / diastolic blood pressure (SBP / DBP), and heart rate, which confirmed or denied the presence of AD in patients.Results. According to the ADFSCI questionnaire, most patients showed a high degree of severity of autonomic disorders, suggesting the presence of AD. Subsequently, this assumption was confirmed by the results of a urodynamic testing with simultaneous monitoring of SBP / DBP and heart rate. When comparing the groups, statistically significant differences were found in the parameters of the ADFSCI questionnaire, as well as in the indicators of SBP / DBP (at the points of maximum detrusor pressure and when the cystometric capacity is reached).Conclusion. The obtained results allow us to draw conclusions about the high incidence of AD in patients with SCI above the T6 segment and the need for a preliminary assessment of the risks of developing this condition based on the ADFSCI questionnaire before conducting a urodynamic study. Considering the possible complications of AD, the urodynamic testing should be accompanied by continuous monitoring of the indicators of the cardiovascular system.

Intravesical injection of botulinum toxin type a may be an effective treatment option for autonomic dysreflexia in patients with high-level spinal cord injury

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of intravesical injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (DO) in reducing the frequency and severity of autonomic dysreflexia (AD). Design A cross-sectional nonrandomized trial with before (baseline) and after (follow-up) assessments. Setting A single spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation center in China. Participants Twenty-five patients with SCI at or above T6 and a history of AD who underwent urodynamic studies (UDS) before and 3 months after BTX-A injection. Interventions Received bladder injection treatment wtih 200 U BTX-A. Outcome Measures The maximum detrusor pressure(Pdetmax) and voume at first DO(VFIDC), baseline and overall maximum systolic blood pressure (SBP) during UDS, and scores of Incontinence Specific Quality of Life Instrument (IQoL) were recorded before and 3 months after the injection. The change in SBP (ΔSBP) from baseline to maximum SBP during UDS was calculated to assess the severity. The frequency of AD was recorded using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring during a 24 h period before and 3 months after the injection. Results BTX-A injection decreased the Pdetmax and increased the VFIDC and mean urine volume per catheterization increased. The maximum SBP and the ΔSBP during UDS decreased significantly decreased after the injection (151.44 ± 13.92 vs 133.32 ± 9.20 mmHg and 49.44 ± 12.81 vs 33.08 ± 9.11 mmHg respectively, P < 0.05). The frequency of bladder-related ADs (i.e. performed a clean intermittent catheterization or leakage) during a 24-h period significantly decreased from 11.04 ± 1.81–7.88 ± 2.15 (P < 0.001). Conclusions BTX-A decreases the severity of SBP increase and the number of AD episodes 3 months after intravesical injection.

Characterization of heart rate changes associated with autonomic dysreflexia during penile vibrostimulation and urodynamics.

Secondary data analysis. To characterize autonomic dysreflexia (AD) associated heart rate (HR) changes during penile vibrostimulation (PVS) and urodynamic studies (UDS). University-based laboratory. We analyzed blood pressure (BP) and HR data, recorded continuously, from 21 individuals (4 females; median age 41 years [lower and upper quartile, 37;47]; median time post-injury 18 years [7;27]; all motor-complete spinal cord injury (SCI) except one; cervical SCI = 15, thoracic [T1-T6] SCI = 6), who underwent PVS (11/21) or UDS (10/21). Overall, 47 AD episodes were recorded (i.e. PVS = 37, UDS = 10), with at least one AD episode in each participant. At AD threshold, bradycardia was observed during PVS and UDS in 43% and 30%, respectively. At AD peak (i.e., maximum increase in systolic BP from baseline), bradycardia was observed during PVS and UDS in 65% and 50%, respectively. Tachycardia was detected at AD peak only once during UDS. Our study was limited by a small cohort of participants and the distribution of sex and injury characteristics. Our findings reveal that AD-associated HR changes during PVS and UDS appear to be related to the magnitude of systolic BP increases. Highly elevated systolic BP associated with bradycardia suggests the presence of severe AD. Therefore, we recommend cardiovascular monitoring (preferably with continuous beat-to-beat recordings) during PVS and UDS to detect AD early. Stopping assessments before systolic BP reaches dangerously elevated levels, could reduce the risk of life-threatening complications in this cohort.

Heart rate changes associated with autonomic dysreflexia in daily life of individuals with chronic spinal cord injury.

Secondary data analysis. To characterize heart rate (HR) changes during autonomic dysreflexia (AD) in daily life for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). University-based laboratory/community-based outpatient. Cardiovascular data, previously collected during a 24-h ambulatory surveillance period in individuals with chronicSCI, were assessed. Any systolic blood pressure (SBP) increase ≥20 mmHg from baseline was identified and categorized into confirmed AD (i.e., diarized trigger), unknown (i.e., no diary entry), or unlikely AD (i.e., potential exertion driven SBP increase) groups. SBP-associated HR changes were categorized as unchanged, increased or decreased compared to baseline. Forty-five individuals [8 females, median age and time since injury of 43 years (lower and upper quartiles 36-50) and 17 years (6-23), respectively], were included for analysis. Overall, 797 episodes of SBP increase above AD threshold were identified and classified as confirmed (n = 250, 31.4%), unknown (n = 472, 59.2%) or unlikely (n = 75, 9.4%). The median number of episodes per individual within the 24-h period was 13 (8-28). HR-decrease/increase ratio was 3:1 for confirmed and unknown, and 1.5:1 for unlikely episodes. HR changes resulting in brady-/tachycardia were 34.4%/2.8% for confirmed, 39.6%/3.4% unknown, and 26.7%/9.3% for unlikely episodes, respectively. Our findings suggest that the majority of confirmed AD episodes are associated with a HR decrease. Using wearable-sensors-derived measures of physical activity in future studies could provide a more detailed characterization of HR changes during AD and improve AD identification.

Rehabilitation processes, stress and depression in patients with spinal cord injury during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey: a telephone survey

Background/Aims Spinal cord injury is a chronic disease that can develop various complications and multisystem dysfunctions. Patients with spinal cord injury need long-term follow up and rehabilitation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people had to observe social distancing and stay at home. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rehabilitation and health status of patients with spinal cord injury and assesses their stress levels and depression status. Methods A telephone-based survey was conducted with patients followed up by a spinal cord injury outpatient clinic about rehabilitation processes and any health problems experienced. Stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale, while depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory. Demographic characteristics, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale levels, Functional Ambulation Categories and Spinal Cord Independence Measure scores were retrieved from the patients' files. Results The study included 115 patients, none of whom had contracted COVID-19. Of these patients, 44.3% joined the rehabilitation programme before the pandemic, and 3.5% had been able to participate in the rehabilitation programme during the pandemic. An increase in spasticity was recorded in 43.5% of the respondents, an increase of neuropathic pain was recorded in 37.4% of patients and complaints of neurogenic bladder and neurogenic bowel increased by 26.1% and 16.5% respectively. In addition, 4.3% reported novel decubitus ulcers, while 5.2% reported having experienced autonomic dysreflexia episodes. The Perceived Stress Scale scores were 18.32 ± 5.91. No significant difference was detected between the Beck Depression Inventory scores taken at the time of the study and those recorded before the pandemic. Conclusions An insufficiency in the rehabilitation process was noted among patients with spinal cord injuries, accompanied by increased complications. New approaches need to be developed to ensure that the rehabilitation processes of patients with spinal cord injury are not interrupted during a pandemic, and that patients' mental health is not ignored.

Autonomic Dysreflexia with Concurrent Orthostatic Hypotension: A Clinical Approach Dilemma

Background and aim: Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) commonly occurs in high cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. However, concurrent orthostatic hypotension (OH) makes the management of this condition more difficult. This case report highlighted the complicated condition that creates a dilemma for clinicians to prioritise the management. Methods: A 26-year-old man presented with traumatic cervical SCI C4 ASIA B secondary to C3 – C5 vertebral body fracture underwent anterior corpectomy and fusion. He had frequent episodes of AD in the rehabilitation clinic, presenting with sweating, headache, and high blood pressure (BP) while he was in a wheelchair. No other precipitating factors were identified except for his chronic sacral and ischial wounds. These AD episodes also happened multiple times daily at home with intermittent presyncope attacks. He was given stat doses of Nifedipine during the clinic visits but was never prescribed antihypertensive as no proper BP monitoring was done at home. Nonpharmacological measures for OH were already established. The rehabilitation team educated him on a side-lying position to alleviate his AD symptoms and preventive strategies such as optimal pressure relief with wheelchair cushions and using the reclining function on his motorised wheelchair. Results: He had difficulty achieving independent mobility because he could not tolerate upright sitting without having AD and intermittent OH. Conclusion: OH as a precipitating factor for AD should be considered. The lowest possible dose of antispastic medications for optimum spasm control and consideration of mineralocorticoid drugs for OH management may be helpful. Antihypertensives are commonly used for prophylaxis of chronic recurrent AD. However, its usage may be limited in patients with OH. Prazosin may be an option as studies have shown that it did not excessively lower baseline BP. Pressure mapping and surgical intervention to facilitate chronic non-healing wound closure also should be considered. Chronic recurrent AD with intermittent OH remains a challenging condition in high SCI.

A Hierarchical Machine Learning Solution for the Non-Invasive Diagnostic of Autonomic Dysreflexia

More than half of patients with high spinal cord injury (SCI) suffer from episodes of autonomic dysreflexia (AD), a condition that can lead to lethal situations, such as cerebral haemorrhage, if not treated correctly. Clinicians assess AD using clinical variables obtained from the patient’s history and physiological variables obtained invasively and non-invasively. This work aims to design a machine learning-based system to assist in the initial diagnosis of AD. For this purpose, 29 patients with SCI participated in a test at Cruces University Hospital in which data were collected using both invasive and non-invasive methods. The system proposed in this article is based on a two-level hierarchical classification to diagnose AD and only uses 35 features extracted from the non-invasive stages of the experiment (clinical and physiological features). The system achieved a 93.10% accuracy with a zero false negative rate for the class of having the disease, an essential condition for treating patients according to medical criteria.

Autonomic dysreflexia in the practice of a urologist

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a potentially life-threatening condition that develops in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) at or above the T6 segment. First of all this condition is characterized by uncontrolled arterial hypertension, which can lead to catastrophic complications and even death. The trigger for the development of AD is often urological complications, as well as diagnostic and therapeutic manipulations on the lower urinary tract. It is important for urologists to be aware of the AD syndrome, clinical features of AD, acute and chronic management, as well as prevention episodes of AD in patients with neurogenic lower urinary dysfunction. AD is defined as an increase of systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg from baseline in response to various afferent stimuli originating below the level of spinal cord injury. AD is based on exaltation of spinal reflex activity with irradiation of impulses in the spinal cord under conditions of dennervation preganglionic sympathetic neurons located above the T6 segment and hyperactivity of peripheral -adrenergic receptors. The main pathophysiological mechanism of AD is hypernoradrenalinemia, leading to vasoconstriction of the vessels of the skin, abdominal cavity, muscles below the level of neurological injury.

Noninvasive spinal stimulation safely enables upright posture in children with spinal cord injury

In children with spinal cord injury (SCI), scoliosis due to trunk muscle paralysis frequently requires surgical treatment. Transcutaneous spinal stimulation enables trunk stability in adults with SCI and may pose a non-invasive preventative therapeutic alternative. This non-randomized, non-blinded pilot clinical trial (NCT03975634) determined the safety and efficacy of transcutaneous spinal stimulation to enable upright sitting posture in 8 children with trunk control impairment due to acquired SCI using within-subject repeated measures study design. Primary safety and efficacy outcomes (pain, hemodynamics stability, skin irritation, trunk kinematics) and secondary outcomes (center of pressure displacement, compliance rate) were assessed within the pre-specified endpoints. One participant did not complete the study due to pain with stimulation on the first day. One episode of autonomic dysreflexia during stimulation was recorded. Following hemodynamic normalization, the participant completed the study. Overall, spinal stimulation was well-tolerated and enabled upright sitting posture in 7 out of the 8 participants.

Use of an Individualized Relaxation Technique Using Raga Darbari for Rehabilitation of Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report

Introduction:- A 14 years old male child with spinal cord injury faced great difficulties during transitionand walking with HKFO and walker due to autonomic dysreflexia.Methods: - A child with thoracic D3-D9 spinal cord injury was included in the study .After dischargefrom hospital; he came to physiotherapy OPD regularly. He had achieved sitting with support by 9-10weeks, floor to bed transitions by 11-12 weeks, sit to stand with HKAFO with walker and parallel bar by 12weeks, walking with walker with HKFO (indoor) BY 13 weeks. During the transitions he was suffering fromraised blood pressures and palpitation and flushes. Fluctuation in vitals indicated episodes of autonomicdysreflexia. But day by day he was having less tolerance to therapy and he had started losing confidencein performing transitions and wheel chair rehabilitation, an individualized relaxation therapy Raga Darbariof Indian classical music in instrumental form of FLUTE to induce relaxation in him. Post physiotherapyand post transitions, child was given relaxation for 20-25 minutes and vitals were recorded pre and postrelaxation therapy on day 1 and after last session of 4 weeks of relaxation therapy.Results: - Post 4 weeks of relaxation therapy the child has more stable vital parameters after the transitions,gait training. Frequency of episodes of autonomic dysreflexia was also reduced.Conclusion:- An individualized relaxation therapy using Raga Darbari of Indian Classical music in theinstrumental form has given satisfactory results for autonomic dysreflexia

Pharmacological Inhibition of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Two Weeks after High Thoracic Spinal Cord Injury Does Not Affect Sympathetic Hyperreflexia.

After a severe, high-level spinal cord injury (SCI), plasticity to intraspinal circuits below injury results in heightened spinal sympathetic reflex activity and detrimentally impacts peripheral organ systems. Such sympathetic hyperreflexia is immediately apparent as an episode of autonomic dysreflexia (AD), a life-threatening condition characterized by sudden hypertension and reflexive bradycardia following below-level sensory inputs; for example, pressure sores or impacted fecal matter. Over time, plasticity within the spinal sympathetic reflex (SSR) circuit contributes to the progressive intensification of AD events, as the frequency and severity of AD events increase greatly beginning ∼2 weeks post-injury (wpi). The neuroimmune system has been implicated in driving sympathetic hyperreflexia, as inhibition of the cytokine soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha (sTNFα) using the biological mimetic XPro1595 beginning within days post-SCI has been shown to attenuate the development of AD. Here, we sought to further understand the effective therapeutic time window of XPro1595 to diminish sympathetic hyperreflexia, as indicated by AD. We delayed the commencement of continuous intrathecal administration of XPro1595 until 2 weeks after a complete, thoracic level 3 injury in adult rats. We examined the severity of colorectal distension-induced AD biweekly. We found that initiation of sTNFα inhibition at 2 wpi does not attenuate the severity or intensification of sympathetic hyperreflexia compared with saline-treated controls. Coupled with previous data from our group, these findings suggest that central sTNFα signaling must be targeted prior to 2 weeks post-SCI in order to decrease sympathetic hyperreflexia.

Autonomic Dysreflexia Severity between Urodynamics and Cystoscopy in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury above T6

Objective: The objective is to evaluate autonomic dysreflexia (AD) severity between urodynamics and cystoscopy in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) above thoracic 6 (T6). Design: It is a cross-sectional survey. Subject and methods: The study was carried out in 22 patients with SCI above T6 who underwent both procedures of urodynamics and cystoscopy; all patients developed episodes of AD. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured and recorded at the beginning and during the various stages of the two examinations. AD was defined as a rise in SBP above 20 mm Hg. Results: There was no significant difference in SBP and DBP at baseline before urodynamics and cystoscopy. Both urodynamics and cystoscopy triggered episodes of AD. The volume of water instilled during cystoscopy was typically standard and smaller (150 mL) in comparison with urodynamics, where volume varied depending on cystometric bladder capacity (the mean bladder volume in our study was 234.86 ± 139.06 mL). The SBP was significantly different between cystoscopy and urodynamics (49.23 ± 23.07 mm Hg and 35.14 ± 15.75 mm Hg, respectively; P = 0.023). Conclusions: Although bladder distension during cystoscopy was less than that in urodynamics, the severity of AD was more pronounced during cystoscopy. It is recommended that monitoring of cardiovascular parameters during these procedures should be routinely performed.

Clinical Implications for Cardiovascular Compromise in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Study of Autonomic Dysreflexia, Cardiac Pacing Abnormality, and Orthostatic Hypotension in Contemporary Physical Therapy Management

Purpose: Although recent advances in the neurological care of spinal cord injury have made great strides, cardiovascular disease has emerged as a leading contributor to mortality within this population. Achieving a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of acute cardiovascular dysfunction may aid the physical therapist in establishing more effective clinical care and decision making. The purpose of this article is to review the pathophysiology of acute cardiovascular dysfunction after cervical and thoracic spinal cord injury (injuries above the T6 vertebrae) and translate this knowledge to the clinical management of a medically complex patient case. Methods: A 62-year-old man sustained a traumatic sensory and motor complete T2 spinal cord injury. During the course of acute hospitalization, the patient suffered multiple episodes of cardiac arrest, and a permanent pacemaker was implanted. Inpatient rehabilitation was further complicated by orthostatic hypotension and emergence of autonomic dysreflexia. Results: Orthostatic hypotension was addressed with a combination of positional tolerance progression and patient education. Autonomic dysreflexia episodes required prompt recognition and appropriate response. After a 6-month hospitalization, the patient was discharged to home. Conclusion: Cardiovascular concerns after spinal cord injury have become increasingly prevalent leading to significant implications to physical therapists. Understanding the pathophysiology of these conditions as well as normal and abnormal cardiovascular responses to activity is crucial for establishing safe patient outcomes.