Baseline Prevalence of Heart Diseases, Hypertension, Diabetes, and Obesity in Persons with Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Potential Threats in the Recovery Trajectory

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2013 · DOI: 10.1310/sci1903-172 · Published: January 1, 2013

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science

Simple Explanation

This study compares the likelihood of prevalent heart disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity between individuals with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and those with lower extremity fractures (LEF). It examines data from patients discharged from acute care facilities. The study found that individuals with acute TSCI are more likely to have obesity, heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes at the onset of their injury compared to those with LEF. This suggests an increased burden of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases in TSCI patients. The research highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and management of chronic diseases during the rehabilitation process for individuals with TSCI to improve their quality of life and recovery.

Study Duration

12 Years

Participants

1,776 patients with acute TSCI and 1,780 patients with LEF

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Patients with acute TSCI were found to be four times more likely to have obesity compared to patients with LEF.
2
Individuals with TSCI were 2.7 times more likely to have heart disease, twice as likely to have hypertension, and 1.7 times more likely to have diabetes compared to the control group.
3
Black individuals with TSCI were more likely to have hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease compared to White individuals with TSCI.

Research Summary

This study compared the prevalence of chronic comorbid conditions among persons hospitalized with acute TSCI and LEF. Results showed that persons with TSCI have significantly higher odds of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity than persons with LEF at the onset of SCI. The higher prevalence of chronic diseases is likely to affect the recovery trajectory, increase the risk of premature mortality, and compromise quality of life.

Practical Implications

Early Detection and Management

Early detection and management of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are crucial in preventing heart disease in individuals with TSCI.

Continuous Monitoring and Management

Continuous monitoring and management of chronic diseases during the rehabilitation process are warranted to improve the quality of life and the recovery process of individuals with TSCI.

Targeted Interventions for High-Risk Groups

Given the disproportionate prevalence of TSCI and chronic diseases among Black individuals, targeted interventions are needed to address health disparities and improve outcomes.

Study Limitations

1
The analysis was based on administrative data primarily designed for billing purposes, which might affect the accuracy of diagnoses.
2
There is wide variability in skillset and diagnostic resources among the hospitals, and it is possible that the accuracy of the fourth and fifth digit of the diagnosis codes from underresourced hospitals might be unreliable.
3
Data did not include information on behavioral, clinical, and psychosocial risk factors that could determine the risk associated with the comorbid conditions of interest.

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