Longitudinal Trends and Prevalence of Bowel Management in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2021 · DOI: 10.46292/sci21-00008 · Published: January 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Gastroenterology Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study looks at how bowel management changes over time for people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD), which includes issues like incontinence and constipation, significantly affects their quality of life. The researchers analyzed data from a large database to track bowel management needs from when people left inpatient rehabilitation up to 25 years after their injury. The findings showed that while many individuals initially needed a lot of assistance with bowel management, a significant number became more independent over time, highlighting the potential for improvement even years after the injury.

Study Duration

25 Years

Participants

17,492 individuals with SCI

Evidence Level

Retrospective observational study

Key Findings

1
The need for total assistance with bowel management at discharge significantly increased over time (1988-2016).
2
A significant shift towards modified independence in bowel management occurred within 5 years post-injury.
3
Individuals with cervical spinal cord injuries were more likely to require total bowel assistance.

Research Summary

This study examined long-term bowel management trends in individuals with SCI using the NSCIMS database, revealing an initial increase in dependence at discharge followed by a shift towards greater independence over time. The study found that while total assistance was common immediately post-rehabilitation, many individuals achieved modified independence within 5 years, which remained consistent over 25 years. The results emphasize the importance of continued interventions and support throughout the different stages of SCI to help individuals manage and improve their bowel function long-term.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Continued rehabilitative, educational, and psychosocial interventions are crucial for individuals with SCI, not only immediately after discharge but also in the chronic stages after injury.

Personalized Bowel Management Plans

The diversity in treatment options requires close surveillance and personalized bowel management approaches tailored to individual needs and changes over time.

Resource Allocation

Advocate for increased funding to support the SCI community and improve access to resources for long-term bowel management.

Study Limitations

1
External factors like access to care and resources can influence recovery.
2
Rehabilitation length of stay may impact bowel management outcomes.
3
The study focuses on functional measures and may not capture specific factors underlying the severity of NBD long-term.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury