American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation
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Am J Phys Med Rehabil · Sep 2006
Outcomes of outpatient visits for acute respiratory illness in veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
Respiratory complications are a leading cause of death in persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI&D). We examined same-day and 60-day hospitalizations and 60-day mortality after acute respiratory illness (ARI) outpatient visits. ⋯ P&I and acute bronchitis were associated with increased VA hospitalization and mortality rates. The case fatality rate for pneumonia is higher for SCI&D than the general population. Level of injury predicted hospitalization but not death. Efforts to improve prevention and treatment of ARIs in persons with SCI&D are needed.
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The objective of this study was to evaluate pain frequency, severity, location, treatment, and relief in a population of adult patients with neuromuscular disorders (NMD). ⋯ Pain is a frequent symptom in adult patients with NMD and needs to be better characterized in this population. The use of painkillers and physical pain treatments did not seem to provide adequate relief for the patients studied here.