Spasticity Predicts Motor Recovery for Patients with Subacute Motor Complete Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: A motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI) results in the loss of voluntary motor control below the point of injury. Some of these patients can regain partial motor function through inpatient rehabilitation; however, there is currently no biomarker to easily identify which patients have this potential. Evidence indicates that spasticity could be that marker. Patients with motor complete SCI who exhibit spasticity show preservation of descending motor pathways, the pathways necessary for motor signals to be carried from the brain to the target muscle. We hypothesized that the presence of spasticity predicts motor recovery after subacute motor complete SCI. METHODS: Spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale and pendulum test) and descending connectivity (motor evoked potentials) were tested in the rectus femoris muscle in patients with subacute motor complete (n = 36) and motor incomplete (n = 30) SCI. Motor recovery was assessed by using the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury and the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS). All measurements were taken at admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. RESULTS: We found that motor complete SCI patients with spasticity improved in motor scores and showed AIS conversion to either motor or sensory incomplete. Conversely, patients without spasticity showed no changes in motor scores and AIS conversion. In incomplete SCI patients, motor scores improved and AIS conversion occurred regardless of spasticity. INTERPRETATION: These findings suggest that spasticity represents an easy-to-use clinical outcome that might help to predict motor recovery after severe SCI. This knowledge can improve inpatient rehabilitation effectiveness for motor complete SCI patients. ANN NEUROL 2023.

The revised zone of partial preservation (ZPP) in the 2019 International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury: ZPP applicability in incomplete injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Consensus process. OBJECTIVES: To provide a reference for the Zone(s) of Partial Preservation (ZPP) in the 2019 International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) and analyze the initial impact of applicability of the revised ZPPs. Revisions include the use of ZPPs in selected incomplete injuries (in addition to prior use in sensorimotor complete injuries). Specifically, the revised motor ZPPs are applicable bilaterally in injuries with absent voluntary anal contraction (VAC) and the revised sensory ZPP for a given side is applicable if deep anal pressure (DAP), light touch and pin prick sensation in S4-5 are absent on that side. SETTING: Committee with 16 ISNCSCI experts and datasets from the European Multicenter Study about Spinal Cord Injury (EMSCI). METHODS: Occurrence frequencies of applicable ZPPs were determined in an EMSCI cohort consisting of two ISNCSCI examinations from 665 individuals with traumatic SCI. RESULTS: Motor ZPPs were derived in 35.2% of all datasets of incomplete injuries, while sensory ZPPs are much less frequent (1.0%). Motor ZPPs are applicable in all American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) B datasets (mean ZPP length: 0.9 ± 1.0 segments), in 55.4% of all AIS C datasets (ZPP length: 11.8 ± 8.2 segments) and in 9.9% of the AIS D datasets (ZPP length: 15.4 ± 7.9 segments). CONCLUSIONS: The revised ZPP allows for determining motor ZPPs in approximately 1/3 of all incomplete injuries. The broadened applicability enables the use of ZPPs beyond complete injuries for complementary description of residual functions in more individuals. SPONSORSHIP: N/A.

Loss of lower extremity bone mineral density 1 year after denosumab is discontinued in persons with subacute spinal cord injury.

Twelve months following discontinuation of denosumab, the percent decrease in mean bone mineral density (BMD) values at the hip and knee regions were similar between both the denosumab and placebo groups. These findings emphasize the need for additional trials to understand the effect of continued administration of denosumab after subacute spinal cord injury (SCI) to avoid this demineralization. OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in BMD 1 year after denosumab was discontinued in participants with subacute SCI who had drug treatment initiated within 90 days post SCI and continued for 1 year. METHODS: Fourteen participants who completed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled drug trial (parent study: denosumab 60 mg (Prolia, Amgen Inc., n = 8) or placebo (n = 6); administered at baseline, 6, and 12 months) were followed 12 months after the 18 months from baseline primary end point was completed. The BMD of skeletal regions below the SCI at higher risk of fracture was measured [total hip, distal femur epiphysis (DFE), distal femur metaphysis (DFM), and proximal tibia epiphysis (PTE)] by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: The percent decreases in mean BMD values at all regions of the hip and knee from 18 to 30 months were similar in both the denosumab and placebo groups. However, at 30 months, the absolute values for mean BMD remained significantly higher in the drug treatment than that of the placebo group at the DFM (p = 0.03), DFE (p = 0.04), and PTE (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In persons with SCI who initiated denosumab treatment during the subacute injury phase and maintained treatment for 1 year, the discontinuation of drug resulted in percent loss of mean BMD similar to that of the placebo group, with absolute mean BMD values at the knee regions at the 12-month follow-up visit significantly higher in the drug treatment than those in the placebo group. These data underscore the need to study continued administration of denosumab after subacute SCI to avoid marked demineralization in the sublesional skeleton upon discontinuation of this agent.

Central cord syndrome definitions, variations and limitations.

Central cord syndrome (CCS) is the most common, yet most controversial, among the different spinal cord injury (SCI) incomplete syndromes. Since its original description in 1954, many variations have been described while maintaining the core characteristic of disproportionate weakness in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities. Several definitions have been proposed in an attempt to quantify this difference, including a widely accepted criterion of ≥10 motor points in favor of the lower extremities. Nevertheless, recent reports have recommended revisiting the terminology and criteria of CCS as existing definitions do not capture the entire essence of the syndrome. Due to methodological differences, the full extent of CCS is not known, and a large variation in prevalence has been described. This review classifies the different definitions of CCS and describes some inherent limitations, highlighting the need for universal quantifiable criteria.

Generation of a Reference Dataset to Permit the Calculation of T-scores at the Distal Femur and Proximal Tibia in Persons with Spinal Cord Injury.

Persons with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) have severe bone loss below the level of lesion with the distal femur (DF) and proximal tibia (PT) being the skeletal regions having the highest risk of fracture. While a reference areal bone mineral density (aBMD) database is available at the total hip (TH) using the combined National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III study and General Electric (GE) combined (GE/NHANES) to calculate T-score (T-scoreGE/NHANES), no such reference database exists for aBMD of the DF, and PT. The primary objectives of this study were (1) to create a reference dataset of young-healthy able-bodied (YHAB) persons to calculate T-score (T-scoreYHAB) values at the DF and PT, (2) to explore the impact of time since injury (TSI) on relative bone loss in the DF and PT regions using the two computation models to determine T-score values, and (3) to determine agreement between T-score values for a cohort of persons with SCI using the (T-scoreYHAB) and (T-scoreGE/NHANES) reference datasets. A cross-sectional prospective data collection study. A Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and a Private Rehabilitation Hospital. A normative reference aBMD database at the DF and PT was collected in 32 male and 32 female Caucasian YHAB participants (n=64) and then applied to calculate T-score values at the DF and PT in 105 SCI participants from a historical cohort. The SCI participants were then grouped based on TSI epochs (E-I: TSI < 1y, E-II: TSI 1-5y, E-III: TSI 6-10y, E-IV: TSI 11-20y, E-V: TSI > 20y). N/A. The knee and hip aBMD values were obtained by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar iDXA) using standard clinical software for proximal femur orthopedic knee software applications. There were no significant differences in mean aBMD values across the four YHAB age subgroups (21-25, 26-30, 31-35, and 36-40 yr of age) at the TH, DF, and PT; mean aBMD values were higher in men compared to the women at all skeletal regions of interest. Using the mean YHAB aBMD values to calculate T-score values at each TSI epoch for persons with SCI, T-score values decreased as a function of TSI, and they continued to decline for 11-20 yr. Moderate kappa agreement was noted between the YHAB and the GE/NHANES reference datasets for the T-score cutoff criteria accepted to diagnose osteoporosis (i.e., SD <-2.5). A homogeneous reference dataset of YHAB aBMD values at the DF and PT was applied to calculate T-score values in persons with chronic SCI. There was a moderate level of agreement at the TH between the YHAB and GE/NHANES reference datasets when applying the conventional T-score cutoff value for the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

Characterizing Natural Recovery of People With Initial Motor Complete Tetraplegia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the differences in neurologic recovery in persons with initial cervical American Spinal Cord Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grades A and B over time. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of data from people with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) enrolled in the National Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) database from 2011-2019. SETTING: SCIMS centers. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=187) with traumatic cervical (C1-C7 motor level) SCI admitted with initial AIS grade A and B injuries within 30 days of injury, age 16 years or older, upper extremity motor score (UEMS) ≤20 on both sides, and complete neurologic data at admission and follow-up between 6 months and 2 years. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Conversion in AIS grades, UEMS and lower extremity motor scores (LEMS), and sensory scores. RESULTS: Mean time to initial and follow-up examinations were 16.1±7.3 days and 377.5±93.4 days, respectively. Conversion from an initial cervical AIS grades A and B to motor incomplete status was 13.4% and 50.0%, respectively. The mean UEMS change for people with initial AIS grades A and B did not differ (7.8±6.5 and 8.8±6.1; P=.307), but people with AIS grade B experienced significantly higher means of LEMS change (2.3±7.4 and 8.8±13.9 (P≤.001). The increased rate of conversion to motor incomplete status from initial AIS grade B appears to be the primary driving factor of increased overall motor recovery. Individuals with initial AIS grade B had greater improvement in sensory scores. CONCLUSIONS: While UEMS recovery is similar in persons with initial AIS grades A and B, the rate of conversion to motor incomplete status, LEMS, and sensory recovery are significantly different. This information is important for clinical as well as research considerations.

Characterizing the Experience of Spasticity after Spinal Cord Injury: A National Survey Project of the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Centers.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the qualities that individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) associate with their experience of spasticity and to describe the relationship between spasticity and perceived quality of life and the perceived value of spasticity management approaches. DESIGN: Online cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Multicenter collaboration among 6 Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems hospitals in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with SCI (N=1076). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Qualities of Spasticity Questionnaire, modified Spinal Cord Injury-Spasticity Evaluation Tool (mSCI-SET), and the modified Patient-Reported Impact of Spasticity Measure (mPRISM). RESULTS: Respondents indicated that spasms most often occurred in response to movement-related triggering events. However, spontaneous spasms (ie, no triggering event) were also reported to be among the most common types. Frequency of spasms appears to decline with age. The highest frequency of spasms was reported by 56% of respondents aged <25 years and by only 28% of those >55 years. Stiffness associated with spasticity was reported to be more common than spasms (legs, 65% vs 54%; trunk, 33% vs 18%; arms, 26% vs 15%). Respondents reported negative effects of spasticity more commonly than positive effects. Based on their association with negative scores on the mSCI-SET and the mPRISM, the 5 most problematic experiences reported were stiffness all day, interference with sleep, painful spasms, perceived link between spasticity and pain, and intensification of pain before a spasm. Respondents indicated spasticity was improved more by stretching (48%) and exercise (45%) than by antispasmodics (38%). CONCLUSIONS: The experience of spasticity after SCI is complex and multidimensional, with consequences that affect mobility, sleep, comfort, and quality of life. Stiffness, rather than spasms, appears to be the most problematic characteristic of spasticity. Physical therapeutic interventions to treat spasticity warrant in-depth investigation.

Classification challenges of the 2019 revised International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI).

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of ISNCSCI datasets. OBJECTIVES: To discuss the correct classification of ISNCSCI datasets considered as challenging. SETTING: International expert collaboration. METHODS: The International Standards Committee of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) receives challenging case scenarios regarding the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI). Among those cases received, sample cases representing different categories of typical classification difficulties were identified by members of the International Standards committee. RESULTS: From the cases received, five sample cases were identified as representative for publication. These cases are related to the correct classification in the presence of non-SCI related conditions, the determination of motor zones of partial preservation in regions with no myotomes to test, the classification of the ASIA Impairment Scale in patients with substantial motor function below the motor level but no sacral sparing, the inclusion of non-key muscle functions in the classification of sensory incomplete individuals, and the correct classification of individuals with an amputation. CONCLUSION: Presenting cases with challenging classifications, along with responses and explanations, will serve spinal cord injury professionals to better understand and utilize the ISNCSCI classification. As the ISNCSCI endorsed by ASIA and the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) evolves over time, such resources are important to clarify inquiries from the spinal cord injury community and to understand the rationale for revisions.

A taxonomy for consistent handling of conditions not related to the spinal cord injury (SCI) in the International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI).

STUDY DESIGN: Committee consensus process including additional structured feedback from spinal cord injury (SCI) experts attending a focus group workshop. OBJECTIVES: To define a taxonomy for standardized documentation of non-SCI-related conditions in the International Standards for Neurological Classification of SCI (ISNCSCI). SETTING: Americal Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) International Standards Committee with 16 international ISNCSCI experts. METHODS: With the new taxonomy, not-normal sensory or motor scores should be tagged with an asterisk ("*"), if they are impacted by a non-SCI condition such as burns, casts, joint contractures, peripheral nerve injuries, amputations, pain, or generalized weakness. The non-SCI condition and instructions on how to handle the "*"-tagged scores during classification should be detailed in the comments box. While sum scores are always calculated based on examined scores, classification variables such as the neurological level of injury (NLI) or the ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) grades are tagged with an "*", when they have been determined on the basis of clinical assumptions. RESULTS: With the extended "*"-tag concept, sensory and motor examination results impacted by non-SCI conditions above, at, or below the NLI can be consistently documented, scored, and classified. Feedback from workshop participants confirms agreement on its clinical relevance, logic and soundness, easiness of understanding, communicability, and applicability in daily work. CONCLUSIONS: After multiple internal revisions, a taxonomy for structured documentation of conditions superimposed on the impairments caused by the SCI together with guidelines for consistent scoring and classification was released with the 2019 ISNCSCI revision. This taxonomy is intended to increase the accuracy of ISNCSCI classifications.

Safety and efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation in upper extremity rehabilitation after tetraplegia: protocol of a multicenter randomized, clinical trial.

STUDY DESIGN: A multisite, randomized, controlled, double-blinded phase I/II clinical trial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the safety, feasibility and efficacy of pairing noninvasive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with rehabilitation to promote paretic upper extremity recovery and functional independence in persons living with chronic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Four-site trial conducted across Cleveland Clinic, Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Cleveland and MetroHealth Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, and Kessler Foundation of New Jersey. METHODS: Forty-four adults (age ≥18 years) with tetraplegia following cervical SCI that occurred ≥1-year ago will participate. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive anodal tDCS or sham tDCS given in combination with upper extremity rehabilitation for 15 sessions each over 3-5 weeks. Assessments will be made twice at baseline separated by at least a 3-week interval, once at end-of-intervention, and once at 3-month follow-up. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Primary outcome measure is upper extremity motor impairment assessed using the Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility and Prehension (GRASSP) scale. Functional abilities will be assessed using Capabilities of Upper Extremity-Test (CUE-T), while functional independence and participation restrictions will be evaluated using the self-care domain of Spinal Cord Independent Measure (SCIM), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Treatment-associated change in corticospinal excitability and output will also be studied using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and safety (reports of adverse events) and feasibility (attrition, adherence etc.) will also be evaluated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClincalTrials.gov identifier NCT03892746. This clinical trial is being performed at four sites within the United States: Cleveland Clinic (lead site), Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) and MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute in Ohio, and Kessler Foundation in New Jersey. The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, 820 Chandler Street, Fort Detrick MD 21702-5014 is the awarding and administering acquisition office.

Distinct patterns of spasticity and corticospinal connectivity following complete spinal cord injury.

KEY POINTS: Damage to corticospinal axons has implications for the development of spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we examined to what extent residual corticospinal connections and spasticity are present in muscles below the injury (quadriceps femoris and soleus) in humans with motor complete thoracic SCI. We found three distinct subgroups of people: participants with spasticity and corticospinal responses in the quadriceps femoris and soleus; participants with spasticity and corticospinal responses in the quadriceps femoris only; and participants with no spasticity or corticospinal responses in either muscle. Spasticity and corticospinal responses were present in the quadriceps but never only in the soleus muscle, suggesting a proximal to distal gradient of symptoms of hyperreflexia. These results suggest that concomitant patterns of residual corticospinal connectivity and spasticity exist in humans with motor complete SCI and that a clinical examination of spasticity might be a good predictor of residual descending motor pathways in people with severe paralysis. ABSTRACT: The loss of corticospinal axons has implications for the development of spasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI). However, the extent to which residual corticospinal connections and spasticity are present across muscles below the injury remains unknown. To address this question, we tested spasticity using the Modified Ashworth Scale and transmission in the corticospinal pathway by examining motor evoked potentials (MEPs) elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation over the leg motor cortex (cortical MEPs) and by direct activation of corticospinal axons by electrical stimulation over the thoracic spine (thoracic MEPs), in the quadriceps femoris and soleus muscles, in 30 individuals with motor complete thoracic SCI. Cortical MEPs were also conditioned by thoracic electrical stimulation at intervals allowing their summation or collision. We found three distinct subgroups of participants: 47% showed spasticity in the quadriceps femoris and soleus muscles; 30% showed spasticity in the quadriceps femoris muscle only; and 23% showed no spasticity in either muscle. Although cortical MEPs were present only in the quadriceps in participants with spasticity, thoracic MEPs were present in both muscles when spasticity was present. Thoracic electrical stimulation facilitated and suppressed cortical MEPs, showing that both forms of stimulation activated similar corticospinal axons. Cortical and thoracic MEPs correlated with the degree of spasticity in both muscles. These results provide the first evidence that related patterns of residual corticospinal connectivity and spasticity exist in muscles below the injury after motor complete thoracic SCI and highlight that a clinical examination of spasticity can predict residual corticospinal connectivity after severe paralysis.

Predicting Cardiometabolic Risk From Visceral Abdominal Adiposity in Persons With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

Persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) have increased adiposity that may predispose to cardiovascular disease compared to those who are able-bodied (AB). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and biomarkers of lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in persons with chronic SCI. A prospective observational study in participants with chronic SCI and age- and gender-matched AB controls. The study was conducted at a Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Private Rehabilitation Hospital. The quantification of DXA-derived VAT volume (VATvol) and blood-derived markers of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism were determined in 100 SCI and 51 AB men. The VATvol was acquired from a total body DXA scan and analyzed using iDXA enCore CoreScan software (GE Lunar). Blood samples were collected for the serum lipid profile and plasma and glucose concentrations, with the latter two values used to calculate a measure of insulin resistance. In the SCI and AB groups, VAT% was significantly correlated with most cardiometabolic biomarkers. The results of the binary logistic regression analysis revealed that participants who had a VATvol above the cutoff value of 1630 cm3 were 3.1-, 4.8-, 5.6-, 19.2-, and 16.7-times more likely to have high serum triglycerides (R2N= 0.09, p = 0.014), low serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (R2N = 0.16, p < 0.001), HOMA2-IR (R2N = 0.18, p < 0.001), metabolic syndrome (R2N = 0.25, p < 0.001), and a 10-yr Framingham Risk Score ≥ 10% (R2N = 0.16, p = 0.001), respectively, when compared to participants below this VATvol cutoff value. Our findings reveal that persons with chronic SCI have a higher VATvol than that of AB controls, and VATvol correlates directly with biomarkers of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism that are strong predictors of cardiometabolic disorders.

Measuring Discharge Outcomes, Length of Stay, and Functional ADL Score During COVID-19 in Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To measure discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), and functional activities of daily living (ADL) scores for patients admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation hospitals (IRHs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to compare these parameters with a period prior to the pandemic. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study via systematic retrospective chart review of consecutive patients admitted to IRHs from January 1-February 19, 2020 (pre-COVID-19T), and COVID-19 time period/patients admitted from April 1, 2020-May 9, 2020 (COVID-19T). SETTING: System of 3 IRHs in the Northeastern United States. PARTICIPANTS: Pre-COVID-19T, n=739; COVID-19T, n=335, of whom n=139 were positive for COVID-19 (COVID+) and n=196 were negative (COVID-) (N=1074). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Discharge disposition, LOS, and functional ADL scores. RESULTS: COVID-19T patients were younger (P=.03) and less likely to be White (P=.03). These patients also had a higher case mix index (CMI; P<.01), longer acute care LOS (P<.01), and longer IRH LOS (P<.01). Patients who were COVID+ (during COVID-19T) were less likely to be White (P<.01), had lower CMI (P<.01), had higher admission and discharge functional ADL scores (P=.02, P<.01), and had longer acute care LOS compared with those who were COVID- (P<.01). There were no differences in discharge outcomes between pre-COVID-19T and COVID-19T cohorts (P=.75), including when stratified for COVID-19 status (P=.74). Functional ADL scores on admission and discharge were lower in COVID-19T than in pre-COVID-19T (P=.01), including when stratified for COVID-19 status though not significant (P=.06). CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in discharge outcomes for any group. IRH LOS was significantly increased during the pandemic, but there were no statistically significant differences between the COVID+ and COVID- cohorts within COVID-19T. Functional ADL scores were significantly lower during COVID-19T, but COVID status was not a significant predictor. This suggests that COVID+ status was not a barrier to discharge or functional outcomes. This supports the importance of IRHs to restore function and discharge patients to home, even with a more medically complex COVID-19 pandemic population.

Surveillance for Pressure Injuries on Admission to Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the incidence of pressure injuries (PIs) on admission to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital (IRH) system of care was increased during the early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period. DESIGN: Retrospective survey chart review of consecutive cohorts. Admissions to 4 acute IRHs within 1 system of care over the first consecutive 6-week period of admitting patients positive for COVID-19 during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, April 1-May 9, 2020. A comparison was made with the pre-COVID-19 period, January 1-February 19, 2020. SETTING: Four acute IRHs with admissions on a referral basis from acute care hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: A consecutive sample (N=1125) of pre-COVID-19 admissions (n=768) and COVID-19 period admissions (n=357), including persons who were COVID-19-positive (n=161) and COVID-19-negative (n=196). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of PIs on admission to IRH. RESULTS: Prevalence of PIs on admission during the COVID-19 pandemic was increased when compared with the pre-COVID-19 period by 14.9% (P<.001). There was no difference in the prevalence of PIs in the COVID-19 period between patients who were COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative (35.4% vs 35.7%). The severity of PIs, measured by the wound stage of the most severe PI the patient presented with, worsened during the COVID-19 period compared with pre-COVID-19 (χ2 32.04%, P<.001). The length of stay in the acute care hospital before transfer to the IRH during COVID-19 was greater than pre-COVID-19 by 10.9% (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: During the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic time frame, there was an increase in the prevalence and severity of PIs noted on admission to our IRHs. This may represent the significant burden placed on the health care system by the pandemic, affecting all patients regardless of COVID-19 status. This information is important to help all facilities remain vigilant to prevent PIs as the pandemic continues and potential future pandemics that place strain on medical resources.

Clinical Trial Designs for Neuromodulation in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury Using Epidural Stimulation.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a narrative review focused on specific challenges related to adequate controls that arise in neuromodulation clinical trials involving perceptible stimulation and physiological effects of stimulation activation. OBJECTIVES: 1) To present the strengths and limitations of available clinical trial research designs for the testing of epidural stimulation to improve recovery after spinal cord injury. 2) To describe how studies can control for the placebo effects that arise due to surgical implantation, the physical presence of the battery, generator, control interfaces, and rehabilitative activity aimed to promote use-dependent plasticity. 3) To mitigate Hawthorne effects that may occur in clinical trials with intensive supervised participation, including rehabilitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Focused literature review of neuromodulation clinical trials with integration to the specific context of epidural stimulation for persons with chronic spinal cord injury. CONCLUSIONS: Standard of care control groups fail to control for the multiple effects of knowledge of having undergone surgical procedures, having implanted stimulation systems, and being observed in a clinical trial. The irreducible effects that have been identified as "placebo" require sham controls or comparison groups in which both are implanted with potentially active devices and undergo similar rehabilitative training.

Residual descending motor pathways influence spasticity after spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: Spasticity is one of the most common symptoms manifested in humans with spinal cord injury (SCI). The neural mechanisms contributing to its development are not yet understood. Using neurophysiological and imaging techniques, we examined the influence of residual descending motor pathways on spasticity in humans with SCI. METHODS: We measured spasticity in 33 individuals with motor complete SCI (determined by clinical examination) without preservation of voluntary motor output in the quadriceps femoris muscle. To examine residual descending motor pathways, we used magnetic and electrical stimulation over the leg motor cortex to elicit motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the quadriceps femoris muscle and structural magnetic resonance imaging to measure spinal cord atrophy. RESULTS: We found that 60% of participants showed symptoms of spasticity, whereas the other 40% showed no spasticity, demonstrating the presence of 2 clear subgroups of humans with motor complete SCI. MEPs were only present in individuals who had spasticity, and MEP size correlated with the severity of spasticity. Spinal cord atrophy was greater in nonspastic compared with spastic subjects. Notably, the degree of spared tissue in the lateral regions of the spinal cord was positively correlated with the severity of spasticity, indicating preservation of white matter related to motor tracts when spasticity was present. INTERPRETATION: These results support the hypothesis that preservation of descending motor pathways influences spasticity in humans with motor complete SCI; this knowledge might help the rehabilitation and assessment of people with SCI. ANN NEUROL 2019.

Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injury: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Management.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts autonomic circuits and impairs synchronistic functioning of the autonomic nervous system, leading to inadequate cardiovascular regulation. Individuals with SCI, particularly at or above the sixth thoracic vertebral level (T6), often have impaired regulation of sympathetic vasoconstriction of the peripheral vasculature and the splanchnic circulation, and diminished control of heart rate and cardiac output. In addition, impaired descending sympathetic control results in changes in circulating levels of plasma catecholamines, which can have a profound effect on cardiovascular function. Although individuals with lesions below T6 often have normal resting blood pressures, there is evidence of increases in resting heart rate and inadequate cardiovascular response to autonomic provocations such as the head-up tilt and cold face tests. This manuscript reviews the prevalence of cardiovascular disorders given the level, duration and severity of SCI, the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, short- and long-term consequences, and empirical evidence supporting management strategies to treat cardiovascular dysfunction following a SCI.

Measurement of Visceral Adipose Tissue in Persons With Spinal Cord Injury by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry: Generation and Application of a Predictive Equation.

PURPOSE: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) permits quantification of visceral adipose tissue (VAT). However, DXA has not been validated against MRI in persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). A predictive equation was generated from the measurement of VAT by MRI, a "gold" standard to quantitate VAT, compared to that of DXA, a method with several practical advantages. METHOD: DXA and MRI scans were performed in 27 participants with SCI. MRI multiaxial images were captured for VAT analysis. DXA-VAT was quantified at the android region (DXA-VATANDROID-VOL) using enCore software. Android regions of DXA and MRI were matched using android height. Volumes of multiaxial MRI-VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were quantified for the android region (MRI-VATANDROID-VOL, MRI-SATANDROID-VOL) and total trunk (MRI-VATANDROID-VOL). Linear regression analysis was used to establish the proposed predication equations. The prediction equations were then applied to an independent sample that consisted of 98 participants with SCI. Bland-Altman analysis was used to determine the limits of agreement. RESULTS: DXA-VATANDROID-VOL predicted 92% of the variance in MRI-VATANDROID-VOL (SEE = 252.5, p < 0.0005) and 85% of the variance in MRI-VATTRUNK-VOL (SEE = 1526.9, p < 0.0005). DXA-SATANDROID-VOL predicted 81.5% of the variance in MRI-SATANDROID-VOL (SEE = 458.2, p < 0.0005). Bland-Altman analysis revealed a high level of agreement between MRI-VATANDROID-VOL and DXA-VATANDROID-VOL (mean bias = 58.45 cm3). A predicted mean DXA-VATANDROID-VOL of 995.2 cm3 was estimated as the population-specific cut-off point for high levels of VAT. CONCLUSION: DXA-VATANDROID-VOL may accurately predict MRI-VATANDROID-VOL in persons with SCI. The ability of DXA to detect VAT changes in longitudinal studies in persons with SCI should be performed.

A Comparison of Diagnostic Stability of the ASIA Impairment Scale Versus Frankel Classification Systems for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the "sacral sparing" definition for completeness of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a more stable definition than the previously used Frankel Classification. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of individuals enrolled in the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems (SCIMS) database between 2011 and 2018. SETTING: SCIMS centers. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals (N=804) with traumatic SCI who were at least 16 years old at time of injury, were admitted to rehabilitation within 30 days, had American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grades A-D at admission, and had complete neurologic data at the time of admission and 1 year. INTERVENTION: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frankel and AIS scores were computed for a cohort of 804 eligible cases. Stability was compared between the 2 classification systems by calculating the proportions of cases in which regression (conversion to a more severe impairment level) was observed. RESULTS: A larger proportion of individuals classified with "incomplete" injuries (grades B-D) at the time of admission using the Frankel system regressed to complete status at 1 year compared with the AIS criteria (9.4% vs 2.0%). Those with grade B injuries regressed to grade A more often using the Frankel system compared with the AIS system (19.7% to 5.4%). A larger proportion of people diagnosed as Frankel grade C or D regressed to Frankel grade A compared with individuals diagnosed as AIS grade C or D who regressed to AIS grade A (5.0% to 1.1%). CONCLUSIONS: More individuals diagnosed with neurologically incomplete SCI regressed to complete status at 1 year when using the Frankel system compared with AIS classification, which is based on sacral sparing. This reinforces the finding that the "sacral sparing" definition is a more stable classification in traumatic SCI.