Conception and implementation of an MRI-compatible device to elicit the bulbocavernosus reflex for an open spinal cord study.

OBJECTIVE: Functional MRI (fMRI) can be employed to assess neuronal activity in the central nervous system. However, investigating the spinal cord using fMRI poses several technical difficulties. Enhancing the fMRI signal intensity in the spinal cord can improve the visualization and analysis of different neural pathways, particularly those involved in bladder function. The bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) is an excellent method for evaluating the integrity of the sacral spinal cord. Instead of stimulating the glans penis or clitoris, the BCR can be simulated comfortably by tapping the suprapubic region. In this study, we explain the necessity and development of a device to elicit the simulated BCR (sBCR) via suprapubic tapping while conducting an fMRI scan. METHODS: The device was successfully tested on a group of 20 healthy individuals. Two stimulation task block protocols were administered (empty vs. full bladder). Each block consisted of 40 s of suprapubic tapping followed by 40 s of rest, and the entire sequence was repeated four times. RESULTS: Our device can reliably and consistently elicit sBCR noninvasively as demonstrated by electromyographic recording of pelvic muscles and anal winking. Participants did note mild to moderate discomfort and urge to void during the full bladder task. CONCLUSION: Our device demonstrates an efficacious approach to elicit sBCR within an MRI bore to assess sacral spinal cord functional activity without generating any significant motion artifacts. SIGNIFICANCE: This device can explore the mechanisms and processes controlling urinary, digestive, or sexual function within this region in humans.

Trends in gender, race, and ethnic diversity among prospective physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians.

BACKGROUND: As the proportion of women and individuals who are underrepresented in medicine slowly rises, disparities persist in numerous arenas and specialties. In physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), there is a continued need to focus on diversity among trainees. This study aims to evaluate diversity among PM&R applicants and residents over the past 6 years. OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic trends in PM&R over the last 6 years and compare those findings with trends in other specialties. DESIGN: Surveillance. SETTING: Analyses of national databases from self-reported questionnaires. PARTICIPANTS: The study consists of 126,833 medical school matriculants, 374,185 resident applicants, and 326,134 resident trainees over the last 6 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported demographic data from the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education were analyzed for medical school matriculants, PM&R applicants, and current residents for the cycles of 2014-2015 to 2019-2020. The data were then comparatively reviewed between PM&R and other medical specialties. RESULTS: In the 6 cycles evaluated, women accounted for 36%-39% of PM&R residents, but 47%-48% in non-PM&R specialties. Women applicants to the PM&R specialty averaged 34.4% over the 6 years analyzed, which was the fourth lowest of the 11 specialties examined. Black or African American and Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin populations each accounted for only 6% of PM&R residents. PM&R demonstrated a noticeably higher proportion of White (62.1% vs. 60.3%) and an observably lower proportion of Black or African American (6.0% vs. 7.1%) and Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish Origin (6.3% vs. 7.9%) residents compared with non-PM&R specialties. CONCLUSION: There is underrepresentation of women and multiple racial and ethnic minority groups in the field of PM&R from applicants to trainees demonstrating a need to improve recruitment efforts.

Evaluating the impact of using a wound-specific oral nutritional supplement to support wound healing in a rehabilitation setting.

Chronic wounds adversely affect patient quality of life, increase the risk of mortality, and impose high costs on healthcare systems. Since protein-energy malnutrition or specific nutrient deficiencies can delay wound healing, nutritionally focused care is a key strategy to help prevent or treat the occurrence of non-healing wounds. The objective of our study of inpatients in a rehabilitation hospital was to quantify the effect of daily wound-specific oral nutritional supplementation (WS-ONS) on healing chronic wounds. Using electronic medical records, we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with chronic wounds. We identified records for (a) a treatment group who received standard wound care + usual hospital diet + daily WS-ONS for ≥14 days, and (b) a control group who received standard wound care + a usual hospital diet. We collected data for demographics, nutritional status, and wound-relevant health characteristics. We examined weekly measurements of wound number and sizes (surface area for superficial wounds or volume for non-superficial wounds). There were 341 patients identified, 114 with 322 wounds in the treatment group and 227 patients with 420 wounds in the control group. We found that rehabilitation inpatients who were given nutritional support had larger wounds and lower functional independence on admission. At discharge, wound area reduction (percent) was nearly two-fold better in patients who were given daily WS-ONS + usual hospital diet compared to those who consumed usual diet only (61.1% vs 34.5%). Overall, weekly wound improvement (lowered wound area or wound volume) was more likely in the WS-ONS group than in the Control group, particularly from the start of care to week 2. Inpatients with largest wounds and lowest functional independence on admission were most likely to be given WS-ONS, an indication that caregivers recognised the need for supplementation. Week-to-week improvement in wound size was more likely in patients who received WS-ONS than in those who did not. Specifically, wound areas and wound volumes were significantly lower at discharge among patients who were given specialised nutritional support. More research in this field is needed to improve care and reduce healthcare costs.

Exploring 5-minute heart rate variability in spinal cord injury during acute inpatient rehabilitation.

To explore the use of 5-minute heart rate variability (HRV) during inpatient rehabilitation in the acute phase of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).Longitudinal observational study.Acute inpatient rehabilitation (AIR).10 patients with acute traumatic SCI.5-minute HRV supine recordings twice daily on three different days per patient.HRV values were evaluated (1) within a single day (Early versus Late); (2) across the inpatient admission (initial, mid, and discharge); (3) by SCI phenotypes and by clinical outcomes (ex. pressure injuries (PI)).Patients had an average age of 38 years, 80% male, and 40% with tetraplegia. There were no HRV differences between Early and Late recordings, across the inpatient admission, demographics, or SCI phenotype. However, improvement in neurologic exam was accompanied by increased parasympathetic tone (mean RR increased by 172 ms SD 61, P = .005). Patients with PI demonstrated lower sympathetic (SNS) activity (decreased LF by 472 ms2 SD 240, P = .049) and lower PNS activity (decreased RMSSD by 1.2 ms SD 0.5, P = .02), compared to no PI. Comparisons to uninjured reference values and chronic SCI suggest a changing autonomic nervous system (ANS) from uninjured to acute to chronic as measured by HRV. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary evidence suggests HRV in acute SCI is stable across time and day during inpatient rehabilitation and may be correlated to clinical sequalae of ANS dysfunction and neurologic recovery. Comparisons to published work suggest that HRV may measure the progression in the ANS from acute to chronic phase after SCI.

Phenol neurolysis in people with spinal cord injury: a descriptive study.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive study. OBJECTIVES: The study's main objective was to describe the common targets of phenol neurolysis and review the safety and efficacy of the dose used for this spasticity management procedure in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: An acute rehabilitation hospital. METHODS: Data from people with SCI who underwent phenol neurolysis procedures for spasticity management between April 2017 and August 2018 were included in this study. We collected demographics and phenol neurolysis procedure-related information. RESULTS: A total of 66 people with SCI and spasticity underwent phenol neurolysis of 303 nerves over 102 encounters. During these encounters, 97% of procedures were performed using both electrical stimulation and ultrasound guidance. The median (IQR) total volume of 6% aqueous phenol used per encounter was 4.0 (2.0-6.0) ml with a median (IQR) of 1.5 (1.0-2.3) ml per nerve. The most frequent target was the obturator nerve (33%), followed by the pectoral nerves (23%). Immediate post-phenol neurolysis improvement or reduction in spasticity was reported for 92% of all documented encounters. There was no documentation of any post-procedure-related adverse events in this cohort during this specified time frame. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that phenol neurolysis can be safely used to manage spasticity in people with SCI under combined electrical stimulation and ultrasound guidance. Further research is required to assess the procedure's safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness on patient-reported outcomes compared to other spasticity interventions.

Fighting for recovery on multiple fronts: The past, present, and future of clinical trials for spinal cord injury.

Through many decades of preclinical research, great progress has been achieved in understanding the complex nature of spinal cord injury (SCI). Preclinical research efforts have guided and shaped clinical trials, which are growing in number by the year. Currently, 1,149 clinical trials focused on improving outcomes after SCI are registered in the U.S. National Library of Medicine at ClinicalTrials.gov. We conducted a systematic analysis of these SCI clinical trials, using publicly accessible data downloaded from ClinicalTrials.gov. After extracting all available data for these trials, we categorized each trial according to the types of interventions being tested and the types of outcomes assessed. We then evaluated clinical trial characteristics, both globally and by year, in order to understand the areas of growth and change over time. With regard to clinical trial attributes, we found that most trials have low enrollment, only test single interventions, and have limited numbers of primary outcomes. Some gaps in reporting are apparent; for instance, over 75% of clinical trials with "Completed" status do not have results posted, and the Phase of some trials is incorrectly classified as "Not applicable" despite testing a drug or biological compound. When analyzing trials based on types of interventions assessed, we identified the largest representation in trials testing rehab/training/exercise, neuromodulation, and behavioral modifications. Most highly represented primary outcomes include motor function of the upper and lower extremities, safety, and pain. The most highly represented secondary outcomes include quality of life and pain. Over the past 15 years, we identified increased representation of neuromodulation and rehabilitation trials, and decreased representation of drug trials. Overall, the number of new clinical trials initiated each year continues to grow, signifying a hopeful future for the clinical treatment of SCI. Together, our work provides a comprehensive glimpse into the past, present, and future of SCI clinical trials, and suggests areas for improvement in clinical trial reporting.

Factors Associated With Ventilator Weaning Success and Failure in People With Spinal Cord Injury in an Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives: To evaluate baseline characteristics, describe pulmonary outcomes, and identify weaning predictors for people with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) who are dependent on mechanical ventilation at admission to acute inpatient rehabilitation (AIR). Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at an AIR facility in the United States. It included 91 adults with acute traumatic SCI from 2015 to 2019 who were dependent on mechanical ventilation. Results: People who successfully weaned (85%) had fewer days from time of SCI to AIR admission (22 vs. 30, p = .04), higher vital capacity at admission to AIR (12 vs. 3 mL/kg predicted body weight [PBW]; p < .001), and lower (caudal) neurological injury level (p < .001) compared to those who failed weaning. The risk of pneumonia was higher in people who failed weaning compared to those who were weaned successfully (risk ratio, 5.5; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.3-13). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves suggest a vital capacity cutoff of 5.8 mL/kg PBW could predict weaning. The vital capacity of ≥ 5.8 mL/kg PBW is associated with 109 times higher odds (95% CI, 11-1041; p < .001) of weaning than vital capacity below that threshold. Conclusion: In this retrospective study, there was an increased risk of pneumonia in people with SCI who failed weaning at discharge from AIR. Vital capacity was a better predictor of weaning from mechanical ventilation compared to the neurological level of injury, with a cutoff of 5.8 mL/kg PBW predictive of weaning success. Further research is needed on this critical topic.

Evidence of treating spasticity before it develops: a systematic review of spasticity outcomes in acute spinal cord injury interventional trials.

INTRODUCTION: Spasticity is a common consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI), estimated to affect up to 93% of people living with SCI in the community. Problematic spasticity affects around 35% people with SCI spasticity. The early period after injury is believed to be the most opportune time for neural plasticity after SCI. We hypothesize that clinical interventions in the early period could reduce the incidence of spasticity. To address this, we evaluated the spasticity outcomes of clinical trials with interventions early after SCI. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature between January 2000 and May 2021 to identify control trials, in humans and animals, that were performed early after SCI that included measures of spasticity in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Our search yielded 1,463 records of which we reviewed 852 abstracts and included 8 human trial peer-reviewed publications and 9 animal studies. The 9 animal trials largely supported the hypothesis that early intervention can reduce spasticity, including evidence from electrophysiological, behavioral, and histologic measures. Of the 8 human trials, only one study measured spasticity as a primary outcome with a sample size sufficient to test the hypothesis. In this study, neuromodulation of the spinal cord using electric stimulation of the common peroneal nerve reduced spasticity in the lower extremities compared to controls. CONCLUSION: Given the prevalence of problematic spasticity, there is surprisingly little research being performed in the early period of SCI that includes spasticity measures, and even fewer studies that directly address spasticity. More research on the potential for early interventions to mitigate spasticity is needed.

The Effect of Early Infection on the Rate of Volitional Voiding after Spinal Cord Injury: A Potential Modifiable Risk Factor for Bladder Outcomes.

PURPOSE: Recently, it has been observed that early infections after spinal cord injury (SCI) are associated with decreased long-term motor and sensory recovery. We investigate the effects of early infection after SCI on long-term bladder function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We assessed data for the years 1995 to 2006 using the National Spinal Cord Injury Database. Postoperative wound infections and pneumonia were used to classify infections during the acute inpatient and rehabilitation periods. The effect of early infections on volitional voiding status at 1-year followup was assessed. Age, gender and neurological status at rehabilitation discharge (level of injury, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] and bilateral lower extremity motor scores) were included in multivariate logistic regression modeling to control for confounding. RESULTS: Of the 3,561 persons studied, 1,233 (34.6%) had an early infection. Those with an infection during early recovery were less likely to void than their noninfected counterparts if in the AIS A (0.3% vs 1.9%, p=0.010), AIS B (3.8% vs 10.5%, p=0.018) and AIS C (29.1% vs 37.3%, p=0.071) classification, while those with less complete injuries (AIS D) did not appear to be affected (62.6% vs 65.4%, p=0.456). Similar findings were found when stratifying by lower extremity motor scores and persisted on multivariate analysis, where early infection decreased the odds of volitional voiding at 1-year followup (OR=0.79, p=0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Infections during the early recovery period may modify volitional voiding at 1-year followup by 20% or more. Future investigations to confirm our findings and potentially evaluate mitigation strategies are warranted.

CMAP Scan Examination of the First Dorsal Interosseous Muscle After Spinal Cord Injury.

The study assessed motor unit loss in muscles paralyzed by spinal cord injury (SCI) using a novel compound muscle action potential (CMAP) scan examination. The CMAP scan of the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle was applied in tetraplegia (n = 13) and neurologically intact (n = 13) subjects. MScanFit was used for estimating motor unit numbers in each subject. The D50 value of the CMAP scan was also calculated. We observed a significant decrease in both CMAP amplitude and motor unit number estimation (MUNE) in paralyzed FDI muscles, as compared with neurologically intact muscles. Across all subjects, the CMAP (negative peak) amplitude was 8.01 ± 3.97 mV for the paralyzed muscles and 16.75 ± 3.55 mV for the neurologically intact muscles (p < 0.001). The CMAP scan resulted in a MUNE of 59 ± 37 for the paralyzed muscles, much lower than 108 ± 21 for the neurologically intact muscles (p < 0.001). No significant difference in D50 was observed between the two groups (p = 0.2). For the SCI subjects, there was no significant correlation between MUNE and CMAP amplitude, or any of the clinical assessments including pinch force, grip force, the Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility and Prehension (GRASSP) score, and SCI duration (p > 0.05). The findings provide an evidence of motor unit loss in the FDI muscles of individuals with tetraplegia, which may contribute to weakness and other hand function deterioration. The CMAP scan offers several practical benefits compared with the traditional MUNE techniques because it is noninvasive, automated and can be performed within several minutes.

Assessing redistribution of muscle innervation zones after spinal cord injuries.

This study aimed to examine the redistribution of neuromuscular junctions or innervation zones (IZs) after spinal cord injuries (SCI). Fifteen able-bodied subjects and 15 subjects with SCI (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A to D), participated in the study. Surface electromyography (EMG) signals were collected from the biceps brachii muscle by a customized linear electrode array when subjects generated maximal isometric voluntary contractions. The Radon transform was applied to detect the IZ locations in the multiple channel surface EMG signals which were differentiated between consecutive channels. The distribution of IZs was compared between the SCI and control groups using the student-t test. Statistical analysis disclosed a significantly wider range of IZs in the SCI group compared with the control group (SCI: 3.83 ± 1.32 IED, control: 2.83 ± 0. 87 IED, IED: inter-electrode distance, p < 0.05). No remarkable shifts of the center of the distribution were observed between the two groups (SCI: 9.23 ± 2.35 IED, control: 8.53 ± 2.33 IED, p = 0.42). Changes of IZ distribution in the paralyzed muscles could be associated with the complex neuromuscular reorganization after the SCI.

Real-world analysis of botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections in post-stroke spasticity: Higher doses of BoNT and longer intervals in the early-start group.

Our primary objective was to compare early-start vs. late-start Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections in post-stroke spasticity management. This is an IRB approved retrospective chart review of patients who were admitted for inpatient rehabilitation within 6 months after first-ever stroke between January 2014 and December 2018 and received BoNT injections within 15 months. The total dose and interval between consecutive injections were used as objective outcomes. 2367 stroke admissions were reviewed. 189 patients metinclusion criteria. 68 out of 189 patients received BoNT injections within 12 weeks after stroke (EARLY group). 20 patients in the EARLY group who received at least three cycles were included for analysis. Out of 189 patients, 47 patients were categorized into the Early- and Late-start subgroups each by time from stroke onset to first BoNT injection (1st and 4th quartiles of time distribution) for comparisons. In the EARLY group, the first interval (Mean (M) = 7.6 weeks, standard deviation (SD) = 2.14) was significantly shorter than the second interval (M = 23.7, SD = 10.41) and the third interval (M = 20.0, SD = 11.23; p < 0.05). The dose at the first cycle (M = 492 units, SD = 201.5) was significantly lower than the dose at the third cycle (M = 605, SD = 82.6). In comparison between the Early- and Late-start subgroups, the time to first BoNT injection was 6.4 weeks (range: 4.7-8.6) after stroke for the Early-start subgroup and 49.6 weeks (range: 27.4-62.3) after stroke for the Late-start subgroup. The subsequent intervals after the first injection were significantly longer in the Early-start subgroup (M = 23.1 weeks) than in the Late-start subgroup (M = 14.6 weeks) (p = 0.008). The average total dose of BoNT was significantly higher in the Early-start subgroup (M = 561.9 units, SD = 143.1) than the Late-start subgroup (M = 470.0, SD = 164.8) (p = 0.012). The findings showed that higher doses of BoNT were used in the Early-start group, and often resulted in longer intervals between subsequent injections than in the Late-start group.

Demographics and Durable Medical Equipment Needs of Persons With Disabilities in a Charitable Rehabilitation Clinic.

ABSTRACT: This study characterizes the demographics and durable medical equipment needs of persons with disabilities to improve utilization and management of resources at a philanthropic rehabilitation clinic. Paper charts from all encounters between 2013 and 2018 were reviewed. Data collected include sex, age, ethnicity, insurance status, diagnoses, and durable medical equipment requested/received. Paper charts that were incomplete or illegible were excluded. Among 763 individuals, there were 1157 encounters for durable medical equipment requests. Forty-six percent of individuals were uninsured. Thirty-seven percent had federal insurance such as Medicare or Medicaid, and 6% private insurance. Fifty-five percent of individuals were Hispanic, 28% African American, and 14% White. Fifty-six percent of encounters were with individuals with a neurological diagnosis, 18% medical diagnosis, 17% musculoskeletal/autoimmune diagnosis, 6% amputation diagnosis, and 3% cancer diagnosis. Of the 2680 items distributed, 34% were wheelchair parts and repair, 30% personal hygiene/incontinence supplies, 25% mobility equipment, and 11% bathroom equipment. Of the 513 unmet items requested, 49% were mobility equipment, 24% wheelchair parts and repair, 17% personal hygiene/incontinence supplies, and 11% bathroom equipment. More than a third (43%) of durable medical equipment requests were from individuals with either private insurance or federal payers, which implies lack of adequate coverage on durable medical equipment to maintain mobility and independence.

Observations of Autonomic Variability Following Central Neuromodulation for Chronic Neuropathic Pain in Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord injury (SCI) persons with chronic neuropathic pain (NP) demonstrate maladaptive autonomic profiles compared to SCI counterparts without NP (SCI - NP) or able-bodied (AB) controls. These aberrations may be secondary to maladaptive neuroplasticity in the shared circuitry of the pain neuromatrix-central autonomic network interface (PNM-CAN). In this study, we explored the proposed PNM-CAN mechanism in SCI + NP and AB cohorts following centrally-directed neuromodulation to assess if the PNM and CAN are capable of being differentially modulated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Central neuromodulation was administered via breathing-controlled electrical stimulation (BreEStim), previously evidenced to operate at the PNM. To quantify CAN activity, conventional heart rate variability (HRV) recordings were used to gather time and frequency domain parameters of autonomic modulation. SCI + NP (n = 10) and AB (n = 13) cohorts received null and active BreEStim randomly in crossover fashion. HRV data were gathered pretest and 30 minutes posttest. Pain modulation was quantified at both time-points by visual analog scale (VAS) for SCI + NP persons and electrical detection and pain threshold levels (EDT, EPT) for AB persons. RESULTS: Following active BreEStim only, SCI + NP persons demonstrated increased parasympathetic tone (increased NN50, p = 0.03, and pNN50, p = 0.02, HRV parameters). This parasympathetic restoration was associated with analgesia (VAS reduction, p < 0.01). Similarly, AB persons demonstrated increased noxious tolerance (increased EPT, p = 0.03, with preserved EDL, p = 0.78) only following active BreEStim. However, this increased pain threshold was not associated with autonomic changes. CONCLUSIONS: Central modulation targeting the PNM produced autonomic changes in SCI + NP persons but not AB persons. These findings suggest that AB persons exhibit intact CAN mechanisms capable of compensating for PNM aberrations or simply that SCI + NP persons exhibit altered PNM-CAN machinery altogether. Our collective findings confirm the interconnectedness and maladaptive plasticity of PNM-CAN machinery in SCI + NP persons and suggest that the PNM and CAN circuitry can be differentially modulated.

Comparing outcomes of mechanical ventilation with high vs. moderate tidal volumes in tracheostomized patients with spinal cord injury in acute inpatient rehabilitation setting: a retrospective cohort study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of higher tidal volumes (HVt) compared to moderate Vt (MVt) in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation (AIR) facility on mechanical ventilation via tracheostomy. SETTING: AIR facility in the United States. METHODS: Eighty-four adults with SCI were divided into MVt group if maximum Vt received in AIR was <15 ml/kg predicted body weight (PBW) and HVt group if maximum Vt was >15 ml/kg PBW. Primary outcomes were incidence of pneumonia and composite pulmonary adverse events (pneumonia, weaning failure, or acute care transfers due to respiratory complications). Secondary outcomes were AIR preweaning days defined as time from AIR admission to beginning of weaning, weaning days defined as days from start to end of weaning, and AIR ventilator days calculated as days on ventilator from AIR admission to discharge. RESULTS: MVt was utilized in 50 patients and HVt was utilized in 34 patients. The risk of pneumonia in HVt group was 4.3 times higher [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5-12] compared to MVt group. Odds of pulmonary adverse events in HVt group was 5.4 times higher (CI: 1.8-17) compared to MVt group. There was no difference in preweaning days, weaning days, or AIR ventilator days between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that HVt is associated with increased risk of pneumonia and higher odds of pulmonary adverse events in tracheostomized patients with SCI which warrants further investigation.

Ethnic and Racial Diversity in Academic Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Compared with All Other Medical Specialties.

ABSTRACT: The primary aim of this study was to compare ethnic/racial diversity in academic physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) with all other medical specialties in academia. The secondary aim was to characterize the ethnic/racial diversity of current PM&R program directors. Self-reported ethnicity/race information was collected from the Association of American Medical Colleges and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Ethnicity/race was defined as white, Asian, African American, Hispanic, and other. Odds ratios (ORs) and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare ethnic/racial differences at each career level between each specialty. In 2017, in PM&R, compared with whites, there was decreased odds of African Americans by 89% (OR, 0.11), 90% for Hispanics (OR, 0.10), 62% for Asians (OR, 0.38), and 73% for other (OR, 0.27) (all P < 0.001). This disparity increased in full professors: 99% (OR, 0.01), 96% (OR, 0.04), 87% (OR, 0.13), and 90% (OR, 0.10), respectively (all P < 0.001). In 2019, most PM&R program directors identified as white (51%) compared with Hispanic (4%) and African American (2%). Overall, ethnic/racial underrepresented minorities in medicine decreased with increasing academic rank. Therefore, more robust initiatives must be implemented to improve the exposure, recruitment, and retention of ethnic/racial underrepresented minorities at all levels of PM&R academia.

COVID-19: Screening and triage challenges in people with disability due to Spinal Cord Injury.

An outbreak of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan has rapidly become a global public health pandemic. As of March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has described priority levels for testing patients with suspected COVID-19 and information on when to seek medical attention. However, there is a paucity of further guidance for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) who may not present with typical symptoms of COVID-19 due to altered physiology. This may pose challenges with surveillance, risk stratification, and initial management of this vulnerable population. In this point-counterpoint discussion, we outline important differences in presentation along with COVID-19 cases co-morbid with SCI.

The first 24 h: opioid administration in people with spinal cord injury and neurologic recovery.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to characterize opioid administration in people with acute SCI and examine the association between opioid dose and (1) changes in motor/functional scores from hospital to rehabilitation discharge, and (2) pain, depression, and quality of life (QOL) scores 1-year post injury. SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) inpatient acute rehabilitation facility. METHODS: Patients included in the SCIMS from 2008 to 2011 were linked to the National Trauma Registry and the electronic medical record. Three opioid dose groups (low, medium, and high) were defined based on the total morphine equivalence in milligrams at 24 h. The associations between opioid dose groups and functional/motor outcomes were assessed, as well as 1-year follow-up pain and QOL surveys. RESULTS: In all, 85/180 patients had complete medication records. By 24 h, all patients had received opioids. Patients receiving higher amounts of opioids had higher pain scores 1 year later compared with medium- and low-dose groups (pain levels 5.5 vs. 4 vs. 1, respectively, p = 0.018). There was also an 8× greater risk of depression 1 year later in the high-dose group compared with the low-dose group (OR: 8.1, 95% CI: 1.2-53.7). In analyses of motor scores, we did not find a significant interaction between opioid dose and duration of injury. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary findings suggest that higher doses of opioids administered within 24 h of injury are associated with increased pain in the chronic phase of people with SCI.

Blood Alcohol Concentration Is Associated With Improved AIS Motor Score After Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and neurologic recovery after traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) using standardized outcome measures from the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) examination. METHOD: This is a retrospective review of merged, prospectively collected, multicenter data from the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Database and institutional trauma databases from five academic medical centers across the United States. Patients with SCI and a documented BAC were analyzed for American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) motor score, FIM, sensory light touch score, and sensory proprioception score upon admission and discharge from rehabilitation. Linear regression was used for the analysis. RESULTS: The study identified 210 patients. Mean age at injury was 47 ± 20.5 years, 73% were male, 31% had an AIS grade A injury, 56% had ≥1 comorbidity, mean BAC was 0.42 ± 0.9 g/dL, and the mean Glasgow Coma Score upon arrival was 13.27 ± 4.0. ISNCSCI motor score gain positively correlated with higher BAC (4.80; confidence interval [CI], 2.39-7.22; p < .0001). FIM motor gain showed a trend toward correlation with higher BAC, although it did not reach statistical significance (3.27; CI, -0.07 to 6.61; p = .055). ISNCSCI sensory light touch score gain and sensory proprioception score gain showed no correlation with BAC (p = .44, p = .09, respectively). CONCLUSION: The study showed a positive association between higher BAC and neurologic recovery in patients with SCI as measured by ISNCSCI motor score gain during rehabilitation. This finding has not been previously reported in the literature and warrants further study to better understand possible protective physiological mechanisms underlying the relationship between BAC and SCI.

Electrophysiological Outcome Measures in Spinal Cord Injury Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review.

Background: Electrophysiological measures are being increasingly utilized due to their ability to provide objective measurements with minimal bias and to detect subtle changes with quantitative data on neural function. Heterogeneous reporting of trial outcomes limits effective interstudy comparison and optimization of treatment. Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to describe the reporting of electrophysiological outcome measures in spinal cord injury (SCI) clinical trials in order to inform a subsequent consensus study. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and EMBASE databases was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Adult human SCI clinical trials published in English between January 1, 2008 and September 15, 2018 with at least one electrophysiological outcome measure were eligible. Findings were reviewed by all authors to create a synthesis narrative describing each outcome measure. Results: Sixty-four SCI clinical trials were included in this review. Identified electrophysiological outcomes included electromyography activity (44%), motor evoked potentials (33%), somatosensory evoked potentials (33%), H-reflex (20%), reflex electromyography activity (11%), nerve conduction studies (9%), silent period (3%), contact heat evoked potentials (2%), and sympathetic skin response (2%). Heterogeneity was present in regard to both methods of measurement and reporting of electrophysiological outcome measures. Conclusion: This review demonstrates need for the development of a standardized reporting set for electrophysiological outcome measures. Limitations of this review include exclusion of non-English publications, studies more than 10 years old, and an inability to assess methodological quality of primary studies due to a lack of guidelines on reporting of systematic reviews of outcome measures.