Long-term functional outcome in patients with acquired infections after acute spinal cord injury

This study looked at whether hospital-acquired infections like pneumonia or wound infections affect long-term recovery after a spinal cord injury. The study found that patients who developed these infections had less improvement in their physical independence and a higher risk of death up to 10 years after the injury. Preventing these infections could help improve recovery and survival for people with spinal cord injuries.

• 1
  Hospital-acquired pneumonia or wound infections (Pn/Wi) are significantly associated with lower gain in motor function (FIMmotor) up to 5 years after SCI.
• 2
  Pn/Wi is a highly significant risk factor for death up to 10 years after SCI.
• 3
  Patients without Pn/Wi have significantly higher differences from baseline in FIMmotor total score compared to patients with Pn/Wi at discharge.