Dengue-associated longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis.

We diagnosed a patient with dengue fever who developed acute onset of sensorimotor quadriparesis with bladder involvement, and facial nerve involvement. Despite initial negative results in routine investigations and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, spinal MRI confirmed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. The aetiological workup was negative, prompting an investigation into the presence of dengue in the cerebrospinal fluid, which returned positive. This case underscores the importance of considering rare neurological complications in dengue, the value of advanced diagnostic techniques and the potential effectiveness of tailored interventions in challenging cases.

COVID-19 and spinal cord injury: clinical presentation, clinical course, and clinical outcomes of people hospitalised.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study OBJECTIVES: To describe the presenting symptoms/signs, clinical course and outcomes in hospitalised people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and symptomatic COVID-19 infections. SETTING: One university hospital and two SCI centres in Switzerland. METHODS: Descriptive analysis of symptoms/signs, clinical course and outcomes of people with SCI with symptomatic COVID-19 infections and need for hospitalisation. RESULTS: Twenty-two people with SCI were included, 15 (68%) were male, median age 64.5 years (interquartile range, IQR, 52-73 years). Nine (41%) had tetraplegia, and eight (36%) were classified with motor-complete lesions. Frequent clinical symptoms were fever (59%), coughing (54%), fatigue (50%), and dyspnoea (27%). Most frequent complications were bacterial pulmonary superinfection (18%), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (18%). Fifteen persons (68%) needed oxygen therapy during the course of hospitalisation, and 7 (32%) people were ventilated. Median length of stay (LOS) was 23 days (IQR 15-35), varying by age for people under 60 years with a median LOS of 9 days (IQR 8-27), and for those older than 60 years with a median of 34 days (IQR 17-39), respectively. In total, 3 persons (14%) died during hospitalisation, all older with paraplegia. CONCLUSIONS: Typical symptoms like fever and coughing were not present in all people. People with tetraplegia did not demonstrate worse outcomes, on the contrary, they had shorter LOS, no difference in ventilation needs, and no higher mortality compared to people with paraplegia. Older people showed longer LOS. This study recommends close supervision of the SCI population to detect early signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

The effect of level of injury on diabetes incidence and mortality after spinal cord injury - a longitudinal cohort study.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study of veterans with SCI. OBJECTIVES: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus (DM), likely due to body composition alterations and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. These factors are more pronounced in persons with tetraplegia (TP) versus paraplegia (PP). However, the effect of level of injury (LOI) on DM incidence is largely unknown. Therefore, the objective is to examine the effect of LOI on DM incidence in persons with SCI. SETTING: South Texas Veterans Health Care System. METHODS: We obtained electronic record data on age, sex, race/ethnicity, LOI and HbA1c concentration from January 1st 2001 through December 31st 2021. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were used to assess the association between LOI, DM and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: Among 728 non-diabetic veterans with SCI (350 TP/ 378 PP, 52 ± 15 years, 690 male/38 female) 243 developed DM, of which 116 with TP and 127 with PP. Despite chronological variations between TP and PP, DM risk over the entire follow-up did not differ between the groups (hazard ratio (HR): 1.06, 95% CI: 0.82-1.38). Mortality was higher in TP versus PP (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.09-1.78). However, developing DM did not increase the risk of death, regardless of LOI (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.83-1.37). CONCLUSION: Despite chronological variations between both groups, the level of injury had minimal effect on long-term DM development in this cohort of veterans with SCI. Sponsorship NIH (DK105379; MS), RR&D SPiRE (I21RX003724-01A1; MT and SH).

Sleeve gastrectomy as a bridge to maternity in a patient with obesity, infertility and tetraplegia. A case report.

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major cause of severe and permanent disability in young adults. Overweight and obesity are commonly observed among patients affected with SCI, with reports of a prevalence of over 60 and 30% respectively. Case report: A 34 year-old woman suffering from tetraplegia after sustaining a traumatic injury to C5-C6 at age 23 as a result of a motor vehicle accident was presented to our hospital's multidisciplinary bariatric team due to class II obesity. At the time of presentation to the team, eleven years after the accident, her BMI was calculated to be 39 Kg/m2 (weight 97 kg, height 1.57 meters). She was diagnosed with infertility while seeking pregnancy, and referred to our bariatric unit for weight loss. In addition, she had overcome the physical limitations of her injury, had a regular job and was engaged in regular physical activities such as swimming. In May 2017, she underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) without complications and was discharged on postoperative day 2. 17 months following LSG, with a normal BMI, she became naturally pregnant. She had emergency cesarean at 35 weeks due to pneumonia but both patient and child recovered without sequelae. Currently, 4 years after surgery she maintains 37.11% total weight loss (weight 61 kg). She reports having a better quality of life with fewer medical intercurrencies. Conclusions: Patients with SCI and obesity, particularly women seeking to conceive, may be benefited by being referred to bariatric teams for assessment and treatment to improve results associated with sustained weight reduction.

Hospital Course and Complications of Subaxial Cervical Trauma Patients With Tetraplegia or Paraplegia: A Case Series and Literature Review.

STUDY DESIGN: A single-institution, retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to present demographic characteristics, mechanism of injuries, lengths of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) days, discharge locations, and causes of 90-day readmission for patients with subaxial spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or tetraplegia. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or tetraplegia are rare injuries with debilitating outcomes. Numerous advances have occurred in caring for these patients, but patients still experience multiple complications. The severity of these injuries and numerous complications result in prolonged hospital stays and the need for extensive rehabilitation. METHODS: Twelve patients with subaxial spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia or tetraplegia from a level 1 adult trauma center were reviewed. The primary outcomes included hospital length of stay, ICU days, intrahospital complications, 90-day readmission rates, and discharge location. We reviewed the literature for these outcomes in spinal cord injuries. RESULTS: For patients with subaxial spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia and tetraplegia, the average age was 36.0 years, and most were male [91.7% (11/12)]. The most common mechanism of injury was gunshot wounds[41.7% (5/12)]. Patients spent an average of 46.3 days in the hospital and 30.7 days in the ICU. Respiratory complications were the most common (9 patients). Fifty percent of patients (6/12) were discharged to the inpatient spinal cord rehab center, and 16.7% (2/12) expired while in the hospital. Two patients (20.0%) were readmitted within 90 days of discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with subaxial spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or tetraplegia were young males with high-energy traumas. Many patients had intrahospital complications, and most were discharged to the hospital spinal rehab center. These findings likely stem from the severity of paraplegia and tetraplegia injuries and the need for rehabilitation.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis presenting with quadriparesis and hyperreflexia.

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a rare complication of hyperthyroidism that manifests as painless flaccid paralysis. An East Asian man in his late 20s presented to the emergency department with an acute onset of quadriparesis associated with hypertonia and hyperreflexia. His initial symptoms and signs suggested involvement of the brain and spinal cord; however, MRI of the neuroaxis was normal. His serum potassium concentration was low, and thyroid test results were consistent with hyperthyroidism. The patient was diagnosed with TPP associated with Graves' disease and was treated with potassium supplementation, propranolol and methimazole. Motor strength improved to his baseline level of power; bulk was normal, and tone was increased. Although flaccid paralysis is a typical presentation of TPP, brisk reflexes and muscle spasticity cannot rule out this condition. This case highlights the importance of considering TPP as a possible diagnosis in patients presenting with acute quadriparesis.

Characteristics Associated with Bone Loss after Spinal Cord Injury: Implications for Hip Region Vulnerability.

BACKGRUOUND: In individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), bone loss progresses rapidly to the area below the level of injury, leading to an increased risk of fracture. However, there are limited data regarding SCI-relevant characteristics for bone loss and the degree of bone loss in individuals with SCI compared with that in non-SCI community-dwelling adults. METHODS: Data from men with SCI who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the National Rehabilitation Center (2008 to 2020) between 12 and 36 months after injury were collected and analyzed. Community-dwelling men were matched 1:1 for age, height, and weight as the control group, using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2008 to 2011). RESULTS: A comparison of the SCI and the matched control group revealed significantly lower hip region T-scores in the SCI group, whereas the lumbar spine T-score did not differ between groups. Among the 113 men with SCI, the paraplegia group exhibited significantly higher Z-scores of the hip region than the tetraplegia group. Participants with motor-incomplete SCI showed relatively preserved Z-scores of the hip region compared to those of the lumbar region. Moreover, in participants with SCI, the percentage of skeletal muscle displayed a moderate positive correlation with femoral neck Z-scores. CONCLUSION: Men with SCI exhibited significantly lower bone mineral density of the hip region than community-dwelling men. Paraplegia rather than tetraplegia, and motor incompleteness rather than motor completeness were protective factors in the hip region. Caution for loss of skeletal muscle mass or increased adiposity is also required.

Prevalence of central sleep apnea in people with tetraplegic spinal cord injury: a retrospective analysis of research and clinical data.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Over 80% of people with tetraplegia have sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), but whether this is predominantly obstructive or central is unclear. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of central sleep apnea (CSA) in tetraplegia and the contributions of central, obstructive, and hypopnea respiratory events to SDB summary indices in tetraplegia. METHODS: Research and clinical data from 606 individuals with tetraplegia and full overnight polysomnography were collated. The proportions of different respiratory event types were calculated; overall and for mild, moderate, and severe disease. The prevalence of Predominant CSA (Central Apnea Index [CAI] ≥ 5 and more central than obstructive apneas) and Any CSA (CAI ≥ 5) was estimated. Prevalence of sleep-related hypoventilation (SRH) was estimated in a clinical sub-cohort. RESULTS: Respiratory events were primarily hypopneas (71%), followed by obstructive (23%), central (4%), and mixed apneas (2%). As severity increased, the relative contribution of hypopneas and central apneas decreased, while that of obstructive apneas increased. The prevalence of Predominant CSA and Any CSA were 4.3% (26/606) and 8.4% (51/606) respectively. Being male, on opiates and having a high tetraplegic spinal cord injury were associated with CSA. SRH was identified in 26% (26/113) of the clinical sub-cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to characterize SDB in tetraplegia. It provides strong evidence that obstructive sleep apnea is the predominant SDB type; 9-18 times more prevalent than CSA. The prevalence of CSA was estimated to be 4%-8%, significantly lower than previously reported.

Generation and characterization of a knock-in mouse model for spastic tetraplegia, thin corpus callosum, and progressive microcephaly (SPATCCM).

Solute carrier family 1 member 4 (SLC1A4), also referred to as Alanine/Serine/Cysteine/Threonine-preferring Transporter 1 (ASCT1), is a sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporter. It is expressed in many tissues, including the brain, where it is expressed primarily on astrocytes and plays key roles in neuronal differentiation and development, maintaining neurotransmitter homeostasis, and N-methyl-D-aspartate neurotransmission, through regulation of L- and D-serine. Mutations in SLC1A4 are associated with the rare autosomal recessive neurodevelopmental disorder spastic tetraplegia, thin corpus callosum, and progressive microcephaly (SPATCCM, OMIM 616657). Psychomotor development and speech are significantly impaired in these patients, and many develop seizures. We generated and characterized a knock-in mouse model for the most common mutant allele, which results in a single amino acid change (p.Glu256Lys, or E256K). Homozygous mutants had increased D-serine uptake in the brain, microcephaly, and thin corpus callosum and cortex layer 1. While p.E256K homozygotes showed some significant differences in exploratory behavior relative to wildtype mice, their performance in assays for motor coordination, endurance, learning, and memory was normal, and they showed no significant differences in long-term potentiation. Taken together, these results indicate that the impact of the p.E256K mutation on cognition and motor function is minimal in mice, but other aspects of SLC1A4 function in the brain are conserved. Mice homozygous for p.E256K may be a good model for understanding the developmental basis of the corpus callosum and microcephaly phenotypes observed in SPATCCM patients and assessing whether they are rescued by serine supplementation.

Association of upper-limb neurological recovery with functional outcomes in high cervical spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: High cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) results in complete loss of upper-limb function, resulting in debilitating tetraplegia and permanent disability. Spontaneous motor recovery occurs to varying degrees in some patients, particularly in the 1st year postinjury. However, the impact of this upper-limb motor recovery on long-term functional outcomes remains unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of upper-limb motor recovery on the degree of long-term functional outcomes in order to inform priorities for research interventions that restore upper-limb function in patients with high cervical SCI. METHODS: A prospective cohort of high cervical SCI (C1-4) patients with American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A-D injury and enrolled in the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Database was included. Baseline neurological examinations and functional independence measures (FIMs) in feeding, bladder management, and transfers (bed/wheelchair/chair) were evaluated. Independence was defined as score ≥ 4 in each of the FIM domains at 1-year follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, functional independence was compared among patients who gained recovery (motor grade ≥ 3) in elbow flexors (C5), wrist extensors (C6), elbow extensors (C7), and finger flexors (C8). Multivariable logistic regression evaluated the impact of motor recovery on functional independence in feeding, bladder management, and transfers. RESULTS: Between 1992 and 2016, 405 high cervical SCI patients were included. At baseline, 97% of patients had impaired upper-limb function with total dependence in eating, bladder management, and transfers. At 1 year of follow-up, the largest proportion of patients who gained independence in eating, bladder management, and transfers had recovery in finger flexion (C8) and wrist extension (C6). Elbow flexion (C5) recovery had the lowest translation to functional independence. Patients who achieved elbow extension (C7) were able to transfer independently. On multivariable analysis, patients who gained elbow extension (C7) and finger flexion (C8) were 11 times more likely to gain functional independence (OR 11, 95% CI 2.8-47, p < 0.001) and patients who gained wrist extension (C6) were 7 times more likely to gain functional independence (OR 7.1, 95% CI 1.2-56, p = 0.04). Older age (≥ 60 years) and motor complete SCI (AIS grade A-B) reduced the likelihood of gaining independence. CONCLUSIONS: After high cervical SCI, patients who gained elbow extension (C7) and finger flexion (C8) had significantly greater independence in feeding, bladder management, and transfers than those with recovery in elbow flexion (C5) and wrist extension (C6). Recovery of elbow extension (C7) also increased the capability for independent transfers. This information can be used to set patient expectations and prioritize interventions that restore these upper-limb functions in patients with high cervical SCI.

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.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Associated With COVID-19 Pneumonia-The First Documented Case in a U.S. Military Intensive Care Unit.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a significant cause for intensive care unit (ICU) admission worldwide. Most COVID-19 infections are associated with lower respiratory abnormalities but it has been increasingly associated with extra-pulmonary manifestations. Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rarely diagnosed but severe disease associated with COVID-19 infection. We describe the diagnostic process behind diagnosing GBS in an elderly male who developed acute-onset quadriparesis and respiratory muscle failure associated with severe COVID-19 pneumonia in a military ICU. A 69-year-old male was admitted to the ICU for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 pneumonia. He was subsequently intubated and treated with dexamethasone and remdesivir with improvement. On hospital day 32, the patient was extubated. Three days later, he developed acute, symmetric limb quadriparesis and respiratory muscle failure requiring reintubation. Analysis of his cerebrospinal fluid showed a cytoalbuminologic dissociation, and electromyography/nerve conduction study showed slowed nerve conduction velocity. These findings are consistent with GBS. Blood cultures, serum polymerase chain reaction testing, and clinical symptoms were not suggestive of other common pathogens causing his GBS. The patient's acute GBS in the setting of recent severe COVID-19 infection strongly suggests association between the two entities, as supported by a growing body of case literature. The patient was subjected to intravenous immunoglobulin treatment and was discharged with greatly improved strength in the upper and lower extremities. Our goal in describing this case is to highlight the need for providers to consider, accurately diagnose, and treat GBS as a consequence of severe COVID-19 infection.

Positive predictive value of a sepsis-screening protocol for patients with tetraplegia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the positive predictive value (PPV) of a sepsis-screening protocol in patients with cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). DESIGN/METHOD: Retrospective review of all patients with cervical SCI who screened positive for two or more systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria while hospitalized in acute care or inpatient rehabilitation units over a 3.5-year period. Sepsis was defined by the occurrence of (1) any culture order followed by an intravenous (IV) antibiotic within 72 hours or (2) an IV antimicrobial followed by a culture order within 24 hours. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients screened positive for two or more SIRS criteria. Of these, 36 patients (26.9%) were diagnosed with sepsis. Factors associated with a true-positive SIRS screen on multivariable analysis included American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A-C (vs. D; p < .001). The PPV of the screen was 38% in patients with AIS A-C and 9% in patients with AIS D. Altered mental status (AMS) was strongly associated with a diagnosis of sepsis; 16 of 18 (88.9%) of those with AMS had sepsis (p < .001). Age, sex, and neurologic level of injury were not associated with true-positive screening. For patients with new SCI, the first true-positive screen occurred a median of 31 days post-injury. The most common SIRS criteria combinations in patients with true-positive screens were elevated heart rate and either abnormal white blood cell count (43% of true positives) or abnormal temperature (26% of true positives). Abnormally low body temperature (<36°C) contributed to false-positive screening for 10 of 38 (26%) AIS D patients who screened positive. CONCLUSION: Sepsis screening using SIRS criteria in hospitalized patients with tetraplegia has a PPV of 26.9%; it is significantly higher in patients with AIS A-C versus D injuries. AMS, when combined with a positive SIRS screening, is strongly associated with sepsis.

Vital sign differences between septic patients with tetraplegia and paraplegia.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. OBJECTIVES: Sepsis is a leading preventable cause of death in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Individuals with tetraplegia may exhibit different signs and symptoms of infection compared to those with paraplegia. In this study, we examine differences in vital signs (VS) and mental status between septic patients with tetraplegia and paraplegia with the goal of improving early identification of sepsis in this population. SETTING: Veterans hospital in Washington, USA. METHODS: Participants consisted of 19 patients with tetraplegia and 16 with paraplegia who were transferred from an SCI Service to a higher level of care with sepsis between June 1, 2010 and June 1, 2018 (n = 35). We compared VS between patients with tetraplegia and paraplegia at baseline and during sepsis including temperature, heart rate (HR), and blood pressure as well as presence/absence of altered mental status (AMS). RESULTS: While there were no significant VS differences between groups at baseline, septic patients with tetraplegia had lower maximum temperature (38.2 °C versus 39.2 °C, p = 0.003), lower maximum HR (106 versus 124 beats/minute, p = 0.004), and more frequent AMS compared to septic patients with paraplegia (79% versus 31%, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Patients with tetraplegia may not be able to mount fever and tachycardia to the same degree as patients with paraplegia and may be more prone to developing AMS during sepsis. These findings suggest that changes to VS parameter cut-offs may improve sensitivity and be useful in identifying sepsis earlier in the tetraplegic population.

Neurofibromatosis type 1, severe cervical spinal kyphotic deformity, and vertebral arteriovenous fistula presenting with tetraplegia: case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is an autosomal-dominant disorder affecting 1 in 3000 individuals worldwide. NF-1 is characterized by café-au-lait macules and peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Patients with NF-1 frequently exhibit bony dysplasia, including spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis, pseudarthrosis of the tibia, and soft tissue tumors. Some patients with NF-1 exhibit spinal changes, including acutely angled cervical kyphosis. Prior studies have also described arteriovenous (AV) fistulas in individuals with NF-1, as well as a predisposition to cervical fistulas which display symptoms secondary to mass effect, rather than hemorrhage. Sometimes, fistulas are incidentally detected during evaluations for cervical kyphotic deformities. CASE PRESENTATION: The case herein describes a patient with NF-1 who exhibited a severe cervical spinal kyphotic deformity and a vertebral AV fistula. The patient initially presented with neck pain that radiated to all four limbs and resulted in limb weakness. DISCUSSION: Spinal kyphosis is common in patients with NF-1, and if dystrophic changes are noted on plain radiographs, MRI should be considered for the further survey of potential spinal vascular lesions.

Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction due to a Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma Without Paraplegia: A Case Report.

CASE: A 44-year-old man developed urinary retention due to a spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) at the cervicothoracic junction, without paraplegia. Symptoms improved with surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: SSEH is rare and causes acute neck or back pain and progressive paralysis. Patients with advanced myelopathy due to spinal cord compression lesion including SSEH often present with bladder and bowel disorders after exacerbation of quadriplegia. However, SSEH can cause predominant bladder and bowel disorders without paraplegia or quadriplegia. Physicians should consider that there can be a manifestation of myelopathy with bladder and bowel dysfunction without quadriplegia.

Hypokalaemia with Guillain-Barré syndrome: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Acute-onset quadriparesis is not only debilitating and a grave concern for the patient but also perturbs the clinician as it demands early diagnosis and prompt management to prevent catastrophic outcome due to respiratory failure. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and hypokalaemia are notorious causes of acute-onset lower motor neuron (LMN) quadriparesis and warrant a rapid evaluation to necessitate early management. However, coexistence of these two entities is extremely rare and may pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and mandates exclusion of either condition to avoid a poor outcome. We hereby report a case of a young woman who presented with an acute-onset LMN quadriparesis, initially found to have significant hypokalaemia with poor response to supplementation and was further evaluated to have an axonal variant of GBS.

Does severity of spinal cord injury predict likelihood of suffering chronically from severe depression and anxiety?

STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative Survey study. OBJECTIVE: One might assume that those with higher and more complete spinal cord injuries are at higher risk of depression and anxiety. The objective of this study was to assess the association between level and severity of injury with the degree of anxiety and depression in chronic spinal cord injury. SETTING: Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation outpatient clinic. METHODS: 49 subjects were recruited from our research database. Time from injury ranged from 6 months to 20+ years. Sample included 23 motor complete and 26 motor incomplete participants; of these 24 were people with paraplegia, 25 were people with tetraplegia. They answered HADS, BDI-FS and PHQ-9 questionnaires. Participants were grouped based on time post injury and then were further divided by motor complete (AIS A/B) and incomplete (AIS C/D) and level (tetraplegia cf. paraplegia). Two-sample t-tests were conducted to evaluate the differences in depression and anxiety scores, between individuals with different completeness and injury type. RESULTS: There were no significant differences amongst the groups tested regarding severity of depression and anxiety, however, those with paraplegia or incomplete injuries had higher but not significantly higher average scores for depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: We found there were no statistically significant differences in depression and anxiety scores among the groups. These results suggest that all people with SCI may be at similar risk of depression and anxiety, regardless of SCI severity and level.

Perceived Clinical Barriers to Employment for Males with Spinal Cord Injury in Saudi Arabia.

Return to work is a challenging aspect of community integration for individuals with disabilities. The reintegration of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) is multifactorial; hence, regional challenges need to be investigated in the context of their clinical attributes and perceptions. A total of 121 male participants above 18 years of age with diagnosis of SCI and living at home were included in this cross-sectional survey. The study was conducted at a tertiary care rehabilitation facility in Saudi Arabia. The most common reported clinical barriers to employment were mobility, bladder incontinence, spasticity, musculoskeletal pain, and neuropathic pain. Bladder incontinence and musculoskeletal pain were the most common perceived clinical barriers for individuals with paraplegia and tetraplegia, respectively. A significant difference was observed for bowel incontinence as a reported barrier (p = 0.024) among adults less than thirty years of age in comparison with those older than thirty years. Spasticity as a barrier was reported more among patients who were older than thirty years (54.0%) compared to those younger than thirty years of age (37.9%) (p = 0.077). Twenty-two (23.7%) participants with paraplegia reported transfers as a perceived barrier to employment, which was significant (p = 0.014), and it was also reported as a significant barrier (p = 0.001) in individuals with tetraplegia (56%). This study shows that clinical conditions associated with SCI are considered potential barriers to employment by individuals with SCI. In terms of priority, the perceived barriers between individuals with tetraplegia and paraplegia were mostly different. This shows the need to consider relevant secondary health care conditions in goal setting while planning for employment in individuals with SCI.

Type 1 Renal Tubular Acidosis with Hypokalemic Quadriparesis in Sjogren Syndrome.

Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterised by lymphocytic infiltration and inflammation of the exocrine glands resulting in decreased secretion of involved glands which manifests mostly as dry eye and dry mouth. The prevalence of the disease is reported to be about 10.3 per 10,000 population. It is more common in females with a male: female ratio of 16:1. Extra glandular manifestations are seen in up to 1/3rd of the cases. Renal involvement is seen in 4.9% of patients with Sjogren syndrome. MATERIAL: Here we present three cases of Sjogren Syndrome who presented to our hospital with hypokalaemic quadriparesis. OBSERVATION: On evaluation all three of the patients were found to have renal tubular acidosis type 1. None of these patients had any symptom of Sjogren syndrome before the onset of quadriparesis. All of these patients had acute onset progressive areflexic quadriparesis with involvement of facial muscles and drooping of eyelids without sensory or bladder bowel involvement. One of these patients had respiratory muscle paralysis severe enough to mandate mechanical ventilation. Arterial Blood Gas analysis and urine electrolyte analysis were suggestive of type 1 renal tubular acidosis. ANA positive in 2 of the 3 patients. Anti-SSA & anti-SSB antibodies were positive in all three patients. Supportive measures and IV fluid and electrolyte correction was done. There was complete recovery of power in all three patients and were discharged on oral medications.Renal Tubular Acidosis is characterised by inability of the nephrons to maintain physiologic acid base balance. This usually results from a defect in the tubular transport mechanisms. Distal Renal tubular acidosis (as in these patients) is further defined by an alkalotic urinary pH(>5.5) and profound hypokalemia due to impairment in H+ secretion in ditstal tubular alpha-intercalated cells. Owing to this imbalance of ionic transport in distal tubules there can be nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, rickets and severe muscle weakness. Sjogren syndrome is one of the etiologies leading to development of T1RTA.T1RTA can be the presenting feature of Sjogren Syndrome. CONCLUSION: Though a rare manifestation of the disease if can be the presenting symptom. Work up for RTA (ABG, urine electrolytes, Urine PH and osmolarity etc) in patients with hypokalaemic paresis can help establish the etiological diagnosis(ANA, anti-SSA,anti-SSB) and help prevent future relapses of the disease.