Epidemiology of Pediatric Traumatic and Acquired Nontraumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Ireland

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2017 · DOI: 10.1310/sci16-00029 · Published: May 4, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Pediatrics Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study looks at the causes and frequency of spinal cord injuries in children in Ireland, both from accidents (TSCI) and other medical conditions (NTSCI). Data was collected from the National Rehabilitation Hospital, the only specialist center in Ireland for children with spinal cord injuries, ensuring nearly all cases are included. The study found that spinal cord injuries in Irish children are similar to those in other developed countries, with transportation accidents and transverse myelitis being common causes.

Study Duration

2000-2015

Participants

Children age 15 years or younger at the time of SCI onset

Evidence Level

Retrospective review

Key Findings

1
The incidence of TSCI ranged from 0 to 3.1 per million per year.
2
The incidence of NTSCI ranged from 0 to 6.6 per million per year.
3
Transport incidents were the most frequent causes of TSCI and transverse myelitis were the most frequent causes of NTSCI.

Research Summary

This retrospective study examined the epidemiology of pediatric traumatic (TSCI) and acquired nontraumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) in Ireland from 2000 to 2015. The study found that the incidence of SCI in Ireland seems similar to or slightly lower than other developed countries. The most common TSCI etiology was transportation, followed by surgical complications, while the most common NTSCI etiology was transverse myelitis followed by vascular issues.

Practical Implications

Resource Allocation

The study highlights the need for continued specialist care for children with SCI in a centralized facility to maintain expertise.

Prevention Strategies

Focus on road safety and appropriate child restraints to reduce TSCI due to transport incidents.

Surgical Monitoring

Emphasize the importance of intraoperative monitoring during scoliosis surgery to minimize iatrogenic TSCI.

Study Limitations

1
The study does not include data on children who were deceased prior to arrival at the hospital.
2
Comparison with other countries is challenging due to variable data collection and reporting methods.
3
The low number of prevalent cases overall confirms the need for these children to continue to attend one specialist centre for lifelong care

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury