Journal of neurotrauma
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Journal of neurotrauma · Aug 2011
ReviewA systematic review of directly applied biologic therapies for acute spinal cord injury.
An increasing number of therapies for spinal cord injury (SCI) are emerging from the laboratory and seeking translation into human clinical trials. Many of these are administered as soon as possible after injury with the hope of attenuating secondary damage and maximizing the extent of spared neurologic tissue. In this article, we systematically reviewed the available preclinical research on such neuroprotective therapies that are administered in a non-invasive manner for acute SCI. ⋯ Using these criteria, 122 studies were identified and reviewed in detail. Wide variations exist in the animal species, injury models, and experimental designs reported in the preclinical literature on the therapies reviewed. The review highlights the extent of investigation that has occurred in these specific therapies, and points out gaps in our knowledge that would be potentially valuable prior to human translation.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Aug 2011
A series of systematic reviews on the treatment of acute spinal cord injury: a foundation for best medical practice.
The treatment of acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is a multidisciplinary effort that spans from the time of injury through to an acute care center, and in some cases the remainder of the individual's life. Recovery from SCI depends on the care received at each point along this spectrum in time. ⋯ This article introduces the series of systematic reviews, summarizes the most notable findings, and gives an overview of the questions asked in each review and the evidence-based recommendations for care. Some of the most important recommendations are as follows: (1) Patients should be immobilized before transport to a hospital using a cervical collar, head immobilization, and a spinal board; (2) MRI is strongly recommended for the prognostication of acute SCI; (3) early surgical intervention (from 8-24 h) should be considered following acute traumatic SCI; (4) SCI patients are at significant risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems and management should proactively anticipate these potential complications; and (5) outcomes can be improved by management in specialized centers with access to intensive care.