Assessment of Microcirculatory Changes in Patients With Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries and Neurogenic Shock During the Acute Phase Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

Cervical spinal cord injury can lead to neurogenic shock, characterized by vasodilation, hypotension, and bradycardia. This condition disrupts blood flow, especially in the microcirculation. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a tool used to monitor tissue oxygenation and assess microcirculatory status. This study uses NIRS with a vascular occlusion test (VOT) to evaluate microcirculatory function in SCI patients with neurogenic shock. The study found that microcirculatory disturbances are prevalent in SCI patients with neurogenic shock and are linked to in-hospital mortality and complications. Survivors had higher NIRS parameters compared to non-survivors.

• 1
  The prevalence of microcirculatory alterations was high (92%) in patients with SCI and neurogenic shock, with 47% still exhibiting alterations at day 7.
• 2
  Survivors had higher NIRS parameters at D0 compared to non-survivors: DeO2 slope, ReO2 slope, and reperfusion area were all significantly higher in survivors.
• 3
  The ReO2 slope at D0 was significantly decreased in patients who developed new-onset kidney injury and nosocomial infections.