Management of mild degenerative cervical myelopathy and asymptomatic spinal cord compression: an international survey.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. OBJECTIVE: Currently there is limited evidence and guidance on the management of mild degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and asymptomatic spinal cord compression (ASCC). Anecdotal evidence suggest variance in clinical practice. The objectives of this study were to assess current practice and to quantify the variability in clinical practice. METHODS: Spinal surgeons and some additional health professionals completed a web-based survey distributed by email to members of AO Spine and the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) North American Society. Questions captured experience with DCM, frequency of DCM patient encounters, and standard of practice in the assessment of DCM. Further questions assessed the definition and management of mild DCM, and the management of ASCC. RESULTS: A total of 699 respondents, mostly surgeons, completed the survey. Every world region was represented in the responses. Half (50.1%, n = 359) had greater than 10 years of professional experience with DCM. For mild DCM, standardised follow-up for non-operative patients was reported by 488 respondents (69.5%). Follow-up included a heterogeneous mix of investigations, most often at 6-month intervals (32.9%, n = 158). There was some inconsistency regarding which clinical features would cause a surgeon to counsel a patient towards surgery. Practice for ASCC aligned closely with mild DCM. Finally, there were some contradictory definitions of mild DCM provided in the form of free text. CONCLUSIONS: Professionals typically offer outpatient follow up for patients with mild DCM and/or asymptomatic ASCC. However, what this constitutes varies widely. Further research is needed to define best practice and support patient care.

Effect of a Virtual Reality-Enhanced Exercise and Education Intervention on Patient Engagement and Learning in Cardiac Rehabilitation: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is clinically proven to reduce morbidity and mortality; however, many eligible patients do not enroll in treatment. Furthermore, many enrolled patients do not complete their full course of treatment. This is greatly influenced by socioeconomic factors but is also because of patients' lack of understanding of the importance of their care and a lack of motivation to maintain attendance. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the potential benefits of virtual reality (VR) walking trails within CR treatment, specifically with regard to patient knowledge retention, satisfaction with treatment, and the overall attendance of treatment sessions. METHODS: New CR patients were enrolled and randomized on a rolling basis to either the control group or intervention group. Intervention patients completed their time on the treadmill with VR walking trails, which included audio-recorded education, whereas control patients completed the standard of care therapy. Both groups were assisted by nursing staff for all treatment sessions. Primary outcomes were determined by assessing 6-minute walk test improvement. In addition, secondary outcomes of patients' cardiac knowledge and satisfaction were assessed via a computer-based questionnaire; patient adherence to the recommended number of sessions was also monitored. Cardiac knowledge assessment included a prerehabilitation education quiz, and the same quiz was repeated at patients' final visit and again at the 2-month follow-up. The satisfaction questionnaire was completed at the final visit. RESULTS: Between January 2018 and May 2019, 72 patients were enrolled-41 in the intervention group and 31 in the control group. On the basis of the results of the prerehabilitation and postrehabilitation 6-minute walk test, no significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups (P=.64). No statistical differences were observed between groups in terms of education (P=.86) or satisfaction (P=.32) at any time point. The control group had statistically more favorable rates of attendance, as determined by the risk group comparison (P=.02) and the comparison of the rates for completing the minimum number of sessions (P=.046), but no correlation was observed between the study group and reasons for ending treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although no improvements were seen in the VR intervention group over the control group, it is worth noting that limitations in the study design may have influenced these outcomes, not the medium itself. Furthermore, the qualitative information suggests that patients may have indeed enjoyed their experience with VR, even though quantitative satisfaction data did not capture this. Further considerations for how and when VR should be applied to CR are suggested in this paper. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03945201; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03945201.

Content comparison of the Spinal Cord Injury Model System Database to the ICF Generic Sets and Core Sets for spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Mapping of the National Spinal Cord Injury Model System (SCIMS) Database (NSCID) to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). OBJECTIVES: To link the content of the latest two versions of the NSCID to the ICF; more specifically (1) to compare the content of the current NSCID 2016-2021 version to its predecessor (NSCID 2011-2016) using the ICF as a neutral reference framework, and (2) to compare the content contained in the NSCID 2016-2021 version with relevant ICF Sets. SETTING: The forms of the NSCID 2016-2021 and 2011-2016 versions were linked to the ICF and contrasted. Comparability of the current version of the NSCID with the ICF Core Set for Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in the post-acute and long-term context and the two generic ICF sets- ICF Generic-7 and ICF Generic-30 was then examined. METHODS: ICF Linking Rules and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The current NSCID 2016-2021 version covers functioning as classified in the ICF with 8 ICF categories more comprehensively than its predecessor does. More than 50% of ICF categories contained in the two ICF Generic Sets were covered. The coverage of the brief ICF Core Sets for SCI by the NSCID 2016-2021 was more than 50%, but the coverage of the comprehensive core sets was low. Results showed the best coverage in the ICF component Activities and Participation. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes how the ICF and its Sets can serve as a reference framework to foster comparability of existing data sets from both clinical practice and research.

Active Lifestyle Is Associated With Reduced Dyspnea and Greater Life Satisfaction in Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relations between measures of activity with dyspnea and satisfaction with life in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Five SCI centers. PARTICIPANTS: Between July 2012 and March 2015, subjects (N=347) with traumatic SCI ≥1 year after injury who used a manual wheelchair or walked with or without an assistive device reported hours spent away from home or yard on the previous 3 days, sports participation, and planned exercise. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and dyspnea. Dyspnea was defined as shortness of breath when hurrying on the level or going up a slight hill, going slower than people the same age on the level because of breathlessness, or stopping for breath when going at your own pace, or after about 100yd (or after a few minutes) on the level. RESULTS: Dyspnea prevalence was 30%. Adjusting for asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mobility mode, race, and season, there was a significant linear trend between greater SWLS scores and quartiles of time spent away from the home or yard (P=.0002). SWLS score was greater if participating in organized sports (P=.01), although was not significantly greater with planned exercise (P=.093). Planned exercise was associated with a reduced odds ratio (OR) of dyspnea (.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], .34-.95; P=.032), but organized sports was not (P=.265). Dyspnea was not significantly increased in persons who spent the fewest hours outside their home or yard (≤7h) compared with people who spent the most hours outside their home or yard (>23h) (OR=1.69; 95% CI, 0.83-3.44; P=.145). CONCLUSIONS: In SCI, a planned exercise program is associated with less dyspnea. An active lifestyle characterized by greater time spent away from home or yard and sports participation is associated with greater SWLS scores.

Reliability and Validity of S3 Pressure Sensation as an Alternative to Deep Anal Pressure in Neurologic Classification of Persons With Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether pressure sensation at the S3 dermatome (a new test) could be used in place of deep anal pressure (DAP) to determine completeness of injury as part of the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter observational study. SETTING: U.S. Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems. PARTICIPANTS: Persons (N=125) with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI), neurologic levels T12 and above, were serially examined at 1 month (baseline), 3, 6, and 12 months postinjury. There were 80 subjects with tetraplegia and 45 with paraplegia. INTERVENTIONS: S3 pressure sensation at all time points, with a retest at the 1-month time point. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Test-retest reliability and agreement (κ), sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability of S3 pressure at 1 month was almost perfect (κ=.98). Agreement of S3 pressure with DAP was substantial both at 1 month (κ=.73) and for all time points combined (κ=.76). The positive predictive value of S3 pressure for DAP was 89.3% at baseline and 90.3% for all time points. No pattern in outcomes was seen in those cases where S3 pressure and DAP differed at 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: S3 pressure sensation is reliable and has substantial agreement with DAP in persons with SCI at least 1 month postinjury. We suggest S3 pressure as an alternative test of sensory sacral sparing for supraconus SCI, at least in cases where DAP cannot be tested. Further research is needed to determine whether S3 pressure could replace DAP for classification of SCI.

Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index/Assistive Technology Short Forms.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spinal Cord Injury-Functional Index/Assistive Technology (SCI-FI/AT) short forms (SFs) in the domains of basic mobility, self-care, fine motor function, and ambulation based on internal consistency; correlations between SFs and full item banks, and a 10-item computerized adaptive test (CAT) version; magnitude of ceiling and floor effects; and measurement precision across a broad range of function in a sample of adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING: Nine national Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems programs. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of adults with traumatic SCI (N=460) stratified by level of injury (paraplegia/tetraplegia), completeness of injury, and time since SCI. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SCI-FI/AT full item bank, 10-item CAT, and SFs (with separate Self-Care and Fine Motor Function SFs for persons with tetraplegia and paraplegia). RESULTS: The SCI-FI/AT SFs demonstrated very good internal consistency, group-level reliability, and excellent correlations between SFs and scores based on the CAT version and the total item bank. Ceiling and floor effects are acceptable (except for unacceptable ceiling effects for persons with paraplegia on the Self-Care and Fine Motor Function SFs). The test information functions are excellent across a broad range of functioning typical of persons with paraplegia and tetraplegia. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians and researchers should consider using the SCI-FI/AT SFs to assess functioning with the use of assistive technology when CAT applications are not available.

Association of internet use and depression among the spinal cord injury population.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relation between the frequency of Internet use and depression among people with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: SCI Model Systems. PARTICIPANTS: People with SCI (N=4618) who were interviewed between 2004 and 2010. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The frequency of Internet use and the severity of depressive symptoms were measured simultaneously by interview. Internet use was reported as daily, weekly, monthly, or none. The depressive symptoms were measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with 2 published criteria being used to screen for depressive disorder. The diagnostic method places more weight on nonsomatic items (ie, items 1, 2, and 9), and the cut-off method that determines depression by a (PHQ-9) score ≥10 places more weight on somatic factors. The average scores of somatic and nonsomatic items represented the severity of somatic and nonsomatic symptoms, respectively. RESULTS: Our multivariate logistic regression model indicated that daily Internet users were less likely to have depressive symptoms (odds ratio=.77; 95% confidence interval, .64-.93), if the diagnostic method was used. The linear multivariate regression analysis indicated that daily and weekly Internet usage were associated with fewer nonsomatic symptoms; no significant association was observed between daily or weekly Internet usage and somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: People with SCI who used the Internet daily were less likely to have depressive symptoms.

Depression, pain intensity, and interference in acute spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of pain and depression in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) is well known. However the link between pain intensity, interference, and depression, particularly in the acute period of injury, has not received sufficient attention in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of depression, pain intensity, and pain interference in individuals undergoing acute inpatient rehabilitation for traumatic SCI. METHODS: Participants completed a survey that included measures of depression (PHQ-9), pain intensity ("right now"), and pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory: general activity, mood, mobility, relations with others, sleep, and enjoyment of life). Demographic and injury characteristics and information about current use of antidepressants and pre-injury binge drinking also were collected. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to test depression models in 3 steps: (1) age, gender, days since injury, injury level, antidepressant use, and pre-injury binge drinking (controlling variables); (2) pain intensity; and (3) pain interference (each tested separately). RESULTS: With one exception, pain interference was the only statistically significant independent variable in each of the final models. Although pain intensity accounted for only 0.2% to 1.2% of the depression variance, pain interference accounted for 13% to 26% of the variance in depression. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that pain intensity alone is insufficient for understanding the relationship of pain and depression in acute SCI. Instead, the ways in which pain interferes with daily life appear to have a much greater bearing on depression than pain intensity alone in the acute setting.

Interventions to Optimize Spinal Cord Perfusion in Patients With Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: An Updated Systematic Review.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review update. OBJECTIVES: Interventions that aim to optimize spinal cord perfusion are thought to play an important role in minimizing secondary ischemic damage and improving outcomes in patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCIs). However, exactly how to optimize spinal cord perfusion and enhance neurologic recovery remains controversial. We performed an update of a recent systematic review (Evaniew et al, J. Neurotrauma 2020) to evaluate the effects of Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) support or Spinal Cord Perfusion Pressure (SCPP) support on neurological recovery and rates of adverse events among patients with acute traumatic SCI. METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov for new published reports. Two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data, and evaluated risk of bias. We implemented the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to rate confidence in the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: From 569 potentially relevant new citations since 2019, we identified 9 new studies for inclusion, which were combined with 19 studies from a prior review to give a total of 28 studies. According to low or very low quality evidence, the effect of MAP support on neurological recovery is uncertain, and increased SCPP may be associated with improved neurological recovery. Both approaches may involve risks for specific adverse events, but the importance of these adverse events to patients remains unclear. Very low quality evidence failed to yield reliable guidance about particular monitoring techniques, perfusion ranges, pharmacological agents, or durations of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This update provides an evidence base to support the development of a new clinical practice guideline for the hemodynamic management of patients with acute traumatic SCI. While avoidance of hypotension and maintenance of spinal cord perfusion are important principles in the management of an acute SCI, the literature does not provide high quality evidence in support of a particular protocol. Further prospective, controlled research studies with objective validated outcome assessments are required to examine interventions to optimize spinal cord perfusion in this setting.

Timing of Decompressive Surgery in Patients With Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Systematic Review Update.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVE: Surgical decompression is a cornerstone in the management of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI); however, the influence of the timing of surgery on neurological recovery after acute SCI remains controversial. This systematic review aims to summarize current evidence on the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of early (≤24 hours) or late (>24 hours) surgery in patients with acute traumatic SCI for all levels of the spine. Furthermore, this systematic review aims to evaluate the evidence with respect to the impact of ultra-early surgery (earlier than 24 hours from injury) on these outcomes. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE database (PubMed), Cochrane database, and EMBASE. Two reviewers independently screened the citations from the search to determine whether an article satisfied predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. For all key questions, we focused on primary studies with the least potential for bias and those that controlled for baseline neurological status and specified time from injury to surgery. Risk of bias of each article was assessed using standardized tools based on study design. Finally, the overall strength of evidence for the primary outcomes was assessed using the GRADE approach. Data were synthesized both qualitatively and quantitively using meta-analyses. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria and formed the evidence base for this review update. Seventeen studies compared outcomes between patients treated with early (≤24 hours from injury) compared to late (>24 hours) surgical decompression. An additional 4 studies evaluated even earlier time frames: <4, <5, <8 or <12 hours. Based on moderate evidence, patients were 2 times more likely to recover by ≥ 2 grades on the ASIA Impairment Score (AIS) at 6 months (RR: 2.76, 95% CI 1.60 to 4.98) and 12 months (RR: 1.95, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.18) if they were decompressed within 24 hours compared to after 24 hours. Furthermore, moderate evidence suggested that patients receiving early decompression had an additional 4.50 (95% CI 1.70 to 7.29) point improvement on the ASIA motor score. With respect to administrative outcomes, there was low evidence that early decompression may decrease acute hospital length of stay. In terms of safety, there was moderate evidence that suggested the rate of major complications does not differ between patients undergoing early compared to late surgery. Furthermore, there was no difference in rates of mortality, surgical device-related complications, sepsis/systemic infection or neurological deterioration based on timing of surgery. Firm conclusions were not possible with respect to the impact of ultra-early surgery on neurological, functional or safety outcomes given the poor-quality studies, imprecision and the overlap in the time frames examined. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides an evidence base to support the update on clinical practice guidelines related to the timing of surgical decompression in acute SCI. Overall, the strength of evidence was moderate that early surgery (≤24 hours from injury) compared to late (>24 hours) results in clinically meaningful improvements in neurological recovery. Further studies are required to delineate the role of ultra-early surgery in patients with acute SCI.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in hospitalized children with cardiovascular disease: estimated prevalence and outcomes from the kids' inpatient database.

OBJECTIVE: Hospitalized children with cardiovascular disease may be at increased risk of cardiac arrest; however, little data exist regarding prevalence, risk factors, or outcomes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in these patients. We sought to characterize national estimates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and death after cardiopulmonary resuscitation for hospitalized children with cardiovascular disease. SETTING: A total of 3,739 hospitals in 38 states participating in Kids' Inpatient Database. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the 2000, 2003, and 2006 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database was performed. Sample weighting was employed to produce national estimates. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cardiovascular disease was identified in 2.2% of the estimated 22,175,468 (95% confidence interval 21,391,343-22,959,592) hospitalizations. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation occurred in 0.74% (3,698; 95% confidence interval 3,205-4,191) of hospitalizations of children with cardiovascular disease, compared with 0.05% (11,726; 95% confidence interval 10,647-12,805) without cardiovascular disease (odds ratio 13.8, 95% confidence interval 12.8-15.0). The highest frequency of cardiopulmonary resuscitation occurred with myocarditis (3.0% of admissions), heart failure (2.0%), and coronary pathology (2.0%). Compared with other forms of cardiovascular disease identified in this study, single-ventricle patients were the only subgroup who exhibited a higher mortality after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (mortality 65% vs. 55%; odds ratio 1.7 [95% confidence interval 1.2-2.6]), while those who had undergone cardiac surgery exhibited a lower mortality rate (mortality 48% vs. 57%; odds ratio 0.6 [95% confidence interval 0.5-0.8]). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation occurs in approximately 7 per 1,000 hospitalizations of children with cardiovascular disease, a rate greater than ten-fold that observed in hospitalizations of children without cardiovascular disease. Single-ventricle patients demonstrated increased mortality after cardiopulmonary resuscitation, while recent cardiac surgery was associated with a reduced odds of death after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and develop techniques to prevent cardiac arrest in this high-risk population.

Depression treatment preferences after acute traumatic spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To examine preferences for depression treatment modalities and settings and predictors of treatment preference in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional surveys. SETTING: Rehabilitation inpatient services. PARTICIPANTS: Persons with traumatic SCI (N=183) undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient Health Questionnaire-9 depression scale, history of psychiatric diagnoses and treatments, and a depression treatment preference survey. RESULTS: Among inpatients with SCI (28% had Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10 indicating probable major depression), a physical exercise program was the most preferred treatment option (78% somewhat or very likely to try) followed by antidepressants prescribed by a primary care provider (63%) and individual counseling in a medical or rehabilitation clinic (62%). All modalities were preferred over group counseling. Although not statistically significant, more depressed individuals stated a willingness to try antidepressants and counseling than nondepressed individuals. Subjects preferred treatment in a medical/rehabilitation setting over a mental health setting. Those with a prior diagnosis of depression and a history of antidepressant use were significantly more willing to take an antidepressant. Age ≥40 years was a significant predictor of willingness to receive individual counseling. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment preferences and patient education are important factors when choosing a depression treatment modality for patients with SCI. The results suggest that antidepressants, counseling, and exercise may be promising components of depression treatment in this population, particularly if they are integrated into medical or rehabilitation care.

Characterization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for pediatric cardiac arrest in the United States: analysis of the kids' inpatient database.

To characterize the overall use, cost, and outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as an adjunct to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among hospitalized infants and children in the United States, retrospective analysis of the 2000, 2003, and 2006 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was performed. All CPR episodes were identified; E-CPR was defined as ECMO used on the same day as CPR. Channeling bias was decreased by developing propensity scores representing the likelihood of requiring E-CPR. Univariable, multivariable, and propensity-matched analyses were performed to characterize the influence of E-CPR on survival. There were 8.6 million pediatric hospitalizations and 9,000 CPR events identified in the database. ECMO was used in 82 (0.9 %) of the CPR events. Median hospital charges for E-CPR survivors were $310,824 [interquartile range (IQR) 263,344-477,239] compared with $147,817 (IQR 62,943-317,553) for propensity-matched conventional CPR (C-CPR) survivors. Median LOS for E-CPR survivors (31 days) was considerably greater than that of propensity-matched C-CPR survivors (18 days). Unadjusted E-CPR mortality was higher relative to C-CPR (65.9 vs. 50.9 %; OR 1.9, 95 % confidence interval 1.2-2.9). Neither multivariable analysis nor propensity-matched analysis identified a significant difference in survival between groups. E-CPR is infrequently used for pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest. Median LOS and charges are considerably greater for E-CPR survivors with C-CPR survivors. In this retrospective administrative database analysis, E-CPR did not significantly influence survival. Further study is needed to improve outcomes and to identify patients most likely to benefit from this resource-intensive therapy.

Prevalence and outcomes of pediatric in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the United States: an analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database*.

OBJECTIVE: Population-based data on pediatric in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the United States are scarce. Single-center studies and voluntary registries may skew the estimated prevalence and outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and outcomes of pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a national scale. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project 2006 Kids' Inpatient Database was performed. Sample weighting was employed to produce national estimates. SETTING: Three thousand seven hundred thirty-nine hospitals in 38 states participating with the Kids' Inpatient Database. PATIENTS: All patients <20 yrs of age hospitalized in participating institutions in 2006. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in 5,807 (95% confidence interval 5259-6355) children with prevalence of 0.77 per 1,000 admissions. Most patients (68%) were <1 yr old, and 44% were female. On multivariable analysis, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was associated with respiratory failure (odds ratio 41.5, 95% confidence interval 35.4-48.8), myocarditis (odds ratio 36.6, 95% confidence interval 21.9-61.0), acute renal failure (odds ratio 21.6, 95% confidence interval 17.5-26.7), heart failure (odds ratio 3.8, 95% confidence interval 3.0-4.8), and cardiomyopathy (odds ratio 3.8, 95% confidence interval 3.2-4.7). Overall mortality was 51.8% and greater among patients ≥1 yr (68%) vs. <1 yr (44%) (odds ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval 2.3-3.2). Factors associated with mortality among patients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation on multivariable analysis included acute renal failure (odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.9), hepatic insufficiency (odds ratio 1.5, 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.4), sepsis (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.4), and congenital heart disease (odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.5). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is performed in approximately one in 1,300 pediatric hospitalizations. Approximately half of patients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation do not survive to discharge. Independent risk factors for mortality after receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation included congenital heart disease, age ≥1 yr, acute renal failure, hepatic insufficiency, and sepsis.

Prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of heart failure-related hospitalizations in children in the United States: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Few data exist on prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of pediatric heart failure hospitalizations. We tested the hypotheses that pediatric heart failure-related hospitalizations increased over time but that mortality decreased. Factors associated with mortality and length of stay were also assessed. METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database was performed for pediatric (age ≤18 years) heart failure-related hospitalizations for the years 1997, 2000, 2003, and 2006. Hospitalizations did not significantly increase over time, ranging from 11,153 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8,898-13,409) in 2003 to 13,892 (95% CI 11,528-16,256) in 2006. Hospital length of stay increased from 1997 (mean 13.8 days, 95% CI 12.5-15.2) to 2006 (mean 19.4 days, 95% CI 18.2 to 20.6). Hospital mortality was 7.3% (95% CI 6.9-8.0) and did not vary significantly between years; however, risk-adjusted mortality was less in 2006 (odds ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.80). The greatest risk of mortality occurred with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, acute renal failure, and sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Heart failure-related hospitalizations occur in 11,000-14,000 children annually in the United States, with an overall mortality of 7%. Many comorbid conditions influenced hospital mortality.

Validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in assessing major depressive disorder during inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression screening measure in people undergoing acute inpatient rehabilitation for spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN: We performed a blinded comparison of the PHQ-9 administered by research staff with the major depression module of the Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (SCID) conducted by a mental health professional. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation units. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=142) were patients undergoing acute rehabilitation for traumatic SCI who were at least 18 years of age, English speakers, and without severe cognitive, motor speech, or psychotic disorders. We obtained the SCID on 173 (84%) of 204 eligible patients. The final sample of 142 patients (69%) consisted of those who underwent both assessments within 7 days of each other. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PHQ-9 and SCID major depression module. RESULTS: Participants were on average 42.2 years of age, 78.2% men, and 81.7% white, and 66.9% had cervical injuries. The optimal PHQ-9 cutoff (≥11) resulted in 35 positive screens (24.6%). Key indices of criterion validity were as follows: sensitivity, 1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], .73-1.00); specificity, .84 (95% CI, .76-.89); Youden Index, .84; positive predictive value, .40 (95% CI, .24-.58); and negative predictive value, 1.00 (95% CI, .96-1.00). The area under the receiver operator curve was .92, and κ was .50. Total PHQ-9 scores were inversely correlated with subjective health state and quality of life since SCI. CONCLUSIONS: The PHQ-9 meets criteria for good diagnostic accuracy compared with a structured diagnostic assessment for major depressive disorder even in the context of inpatient rehabilitation for acute traumatic SCI.

The demographics of pain after spinal cord injury: a survey of our model system.

STUDY DESIGN: Survey OBJECTIVES: Better understand the demographics of pain after spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Academic Level 1 trauma center and SCI Model System. METHODS: A survey including general demographic questions, questions of specific interest to the authors, the standardized SCI Pain Instrument (SCIPI), International SCI Pain Data Set, Basic form (ISCIPDS:B), Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) neuropathic 5a (PROMIS-Neur), and PROMIS nociceptive 5a (PROMIS-No). RESULTS: 81% of individuals with SCI experience chronic pain and 86% of individuals with pain have neuropathic pain. 55% of individuals had shoulder pain. Females and those who recall >5/10 pain during initial hospital stay had significantly higher PROMIS-Neur scores. Completeness of injury correlates inversely with the degree of neuropathic pain. Those who recall >5 pain during the initial hospital stay and those who reported the worst or second worst pain as being shoulder pain had significantly higher PROMIS-No scores. Lumbosacral injuries trended towards higher PROMIS-No scores and had the highest PROMIS-Neur scores. Those with tetraplegia were more likely to develop shoulder pain and those with shoulder pain had higher PROMIS-No scores. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic pain is almost universal in patients with SCI. Pain is more commonly reported as neuropathic in nature and females reported more neuropathic pain than males. Physicians should monitor for nociceptive shoulder pain, particularly in those with tetraplegia. Patients with incomplete injuries or lumbosacral injuries are more likely to report higher levels of neuropathic pain and pain levels should be monitored closely. Those with more neuropathic and nociceptive pain recall worse pain at initial hospitalization. Better understanding pain demographics in this population help screen, prevent and manage chronic pain in these patients.

A Practical Classification System for Acute Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Based on a Three-Phased Modified Delphi Process From the AOSpine Spinal Cord Injury Knowledge Forum.

STUDY DESIGN: A modified Delphi study. OBJECTIVE: To assess current practice patterns in the management of cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) and develop a simplified, practical classification system which offers ease of use in the acute setting, incorporates modern diagnostic tools and provides utility in determining treatment strategies for cervical SCI. METHODS: A three-phase modified Delphi procedure was performed between April 2020 and December 2021. During the first phase, members of the AOSpine SCI Knowledge forum proposed variables of importance for classifying and treating cervical SCI. The second phase involved an international survey of spine surgeons gauging practices surrounding the role and timing of surgery for cervical SCI and opinions regarding factors which most influence these practices. For the third phase, information obtained from phases 1 and 2 were used to draft a new classification system. RESULTS: 396 surgeons responded to the survey. Neurological status, spinal stability and cord compression were the most important variables influencing decisions surrounding the role and timing of surgery. The majority (>50%) of respondents preferred to perform surgery within 24 hours post-SCI in clinical scenarios in which there was instability, severe cord compression or severe neurology. Situations in which <50% of respondents were inclined to operate early included: SCI with mild neurological impairments, with cord compression but without instability (with or without medical comorbidities), and SCI without cord compression or instability. CONCLUSIONS: Spinal stability, cord compression and neurological status are the most important variables influencing surgeons' practices surrounding the surgical management of cervical SCI. Based on these results, a simplified classification system for acute cervical SCI has been proposed.

A longitudinal study of depression from 1 to 5 years after spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To describe rates of probable major depression and the development and improvement of depression and to test predictors of depression in a cohort of participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) assessed at 1 and 5 years after injury. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING: SCI Model System. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (N=1035) who completed 1- and 5-year postinjury follow-up interviews from 2000 to 2009. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Probable major depression, defined as Physician Health Questionnaire-9 score of 10 or higher. RESULTS: Probable major depression was found in 21% of participants at year 1 and 18% at year 5. Similar numbers of participants had improvement (25%) or worsening (20%) of symptoms over time, with 8.7% depressed at both 1 and 5 years. Increased pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.10), worsening health status (OR, 1.39), and decreasing unsafe use of alcohol (vs no unsafe use of alcohol; OR, 2.95) are risk factors for the development of depression at 5 years. No predictors of improvement in depression were found. CONCLUSION: In this sample, probable major depression was found in 18% to 21% of participants 1 to 5 years after injury. To address this high prevalence, clinicians should use these risk factors and ongoing systematic screening to identify those at risk for depression. Worsening health problems and lack of effective depression treatment in participants with SCI may contribute to high rates of chronic or recurrent depression in this population.