Effect of nutritional status on occurrence of pneumonia after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury

Pneumonia is a frequent and severe complication following cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). This study investigates how nutritional factors influence the occurrence of pneumonia in these patients. The study found that low nutritional status, severe paralysis, and reduced lung capacity are significant risk factors for developing pneumonia after CSCI. Besides managing respiratory function, assessing and addressing nutritional needs may be crucial in preventing pneumonia linked to immune suppression caused by spinal cord injuries. Nutritional support should be promptly provided if a patient's nutritional status deteriorates post-injury.

• 1
  Low nutritional status, indicated by a PNI ≤ 38.7, was a significant risk factor for pneumonia after CSCI (OR 3.35; 95% CI 1.19–9.39).
• 2
  Severe paralysis, indicated by a motor score ≤ 17, was also a significant risk factor for pneumonia (OR 7.13; 95% CI 2.46–20.66).
• 3
  Low vital capacity, defined as ≤ 1300 mL, significantly affected the occurrence of pneumonia (OR 5.06; 95% CI 1.69–15.1).