The journal of spinal cord medicine
-
Comparative Study
Age-related differences in length of stays, hospitalization costs, and outcomes for an injury-matched sample of adults with paraplegia.
To investigate the effects of age at injury on neurological and functional outcomes and hospitalization length of stays and charges following spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia. ⋯ Using a matched block design procedure, older patients are discharged with lower levels of functional independence and show lower levels of improvement despite longer rehabilitation stays when compared with younger patients. Older patients' neurological recovery appears equivocal to younger patients' recovery. In contrast to findings with a matched tetraplegia sample, older and younger patients with paraplegia are discharged to private residences at similar rates.
-
Case Reports
Atelectasis and mucus plugging in spinal cord injury: case report and therapeutic approaches.
The leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population are airway mucus plugging and atelectasis. ⋯ Individuals with SCI have high risk of pulmonary complications. Because of neurological deficits, the usual signs and symptoms may not be apparent. Optimal management depends upon awareness of the risks, and a thorough understanding of the pathophysiology of mucus plugging and atelectasis and the alterations in pulmonary mechanics (dependent on level of injury).