Early insights of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Veterans’ Affairs spinal cord injury and disorders population

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-022-00548-0 · Published: September 20, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study looked at Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI) to see how COVID-19 affected them early in the pandemic. The researchers wanted to find out which patient characteristics were linked to testing positive for COVID-19 and which characteristics were linked to dying from it. They used data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National SCI Registry to analyze patient characteristics and outcomes.

Study Duration

March to July 2020

Participants

4,562 persons with SCI

Evidence Level

Retrospective cohort

Key Findings

1
African Americans had increased odds of testing positive for COVID-19.
2
Increased age correlated with increased odds of mortality after testing positive for COVID-19.
3
Non-smokers had lower odds of mortality following a positive COVID-19 test.

Research Summary

The study analyzed data from 4,562 persons with SCI who were tested for COVID-19 between March and July 2020. The case fatality rate for persons with SCI and a positive test for COVID-19 was 12%, higher than the general population. No association was found between neurologic level of injury (NLI) and positive COVID-19 test or increased mortality.

Practical Implications

Risk Factor Identification

Identifying risk factors helps to elucidate and mitigate individual and population risks.

Resource Allocation

Risk factors can play a role in determining the allocation of critical healthcare resources.

Further Research Needed

Further studies are needed to elucidate the full risk of SCI within the context of a COVID-19 infection and associated mortality.

Early insights of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Veterans’ Affairs spinal cord injury and disorders population

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Risk Factor Identification

Resource Allocation

Further Research Needed

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Early insights of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Veterans’ Affairs spinal cord injury and disorders population

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Risk Factor Identification

Resource Allocation

Further Research Needed

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?