Clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a cohort of patients with disability due to spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-020-0288-3 · Published: April 30, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury COVID-19 Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study examines the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI). It aims to provide information for accurate diagnosis and prevention strategies in this vulnerable population. The research involved a cohort analysis of seven SCI patients infected with COVID-19, focusing on their symptoms, lab results, and chest X-ray findings. The study found that SCI patients with COVID-19 may exhibit fewer typical symptoms but can still experience severe clinical outcomes, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring.

Study Duration

March 20 up to April 4, 2020

Participants

Seven patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) infected by Covid-19

Evidence Level

Cohort study

Key Findings

1
COVID-19 infection was confirmed in all seven patients via RT-PCR, with a higher prevalence among males and individuals with cervical SCI.
2
Fever was the most common symptom, followed by asthenia, dyspnea, cough, and expectoration.
3
Despite fewer reported symptoms, most patients exhibited severe COVID-19 based on the Modified Early Warning System (MEWS) score, and radiological abnormalities were common.

Research Summary

This cohort study describes the clinical features of COVID-19 in seven patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study found that SCI patients with COVID-19 presented with fewer symptoms compared to the general population but exhibited similar or greater clinical severity. The authors recommend close supervision of the SCI population to detect early signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection to facilitate timely intervention.

Practical Implications

Early Detection

Close monitoring of SCI patients is crucial for detecting early COVID-19 symptoms, which may be atypical in this population.

Prevention Strategies

Implementation of strict infection control measures in long-term care facilities is essential to prevent outbreaks among vulnerable SCI patients.

Clinical Management

Despite potentially milder initial symptoms, clinicians should be aware of the risk for severe clinical worsening in SCI patients with COVID-19.

Study Limitations

1
The study acknowledges a potential underestimation of the COVID-19 infection rate due to the lack of systematic symptom screening and testing of all patients and healthcare personnel.
2
The absence of a control group limits comparative analysis, although justified by the urgency of the pandemic.
3
The small sample size of seven patients restricts the generalizability of the findings.

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