Mortality and causes of death of traumatic spinal cord injury in Finland

Spinal Cord, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-024-01047-9 · Published: October 30, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Mortality Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study examined the mortality rates and causes of death in patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) in Finland compared to a control group. The study found that TSCI patients had a higher mortality rate than the general population, with most deaths occurring within the first two years after injury. The most common causes of death in TSCI patients were circulatory and pulmonary diseases, especially pneumonia, and that elderly patients with more severe injuries from falls were at the highest risk.

Study Duration

2012-2019

Participants

344 TSCI patients and 1720 matched controls

Evidence Level

Level 2, Prospective cohort study

Key Findings

1
TSCI patients had an increased mortality (SMR = 2.9) compared with the Finnish population.
2
Of the TSCI patient deaths, 51% occurred within the ﬁrst two years postinjury.
3
Increased age, severity of TSCI (as per International SCI Core Data Set) and fall were related to mortality

Research Summary

TSCI patients experience double the mortality rate compared to controls, especially within the first two years post-injury. Elderly individuals with severe TSCI resulting from falls face the highest mortality risks. Circulatory and pulmonary diseases, notably pneumonia, are identified as the primary causes of death following TSCI.

Practical Implications

Improve Respiratory Care

Prioritize the early recognition, prevention, and treatment of respiratory dysfunction, dysphagia, and pulmonary infections in TSCI patients to reduce mortality.

Fall Prevention Programs

Implement and enhance fall prevention programs for the elderly to decrease the incidence of fall-related TSCI.

Tailored Rehabilitation

Develop age-specific and injury-severity-tailored rehabilitation programs to address the unique needs of different TSCI patient subgroups.

Study Limitations

1
The SCI center of Helsinki UH was missing from our study.
2
Prehospital deaths were not included in our study.
3
Autopsies were not performed on all the deceased patients, and some of the causes of death might be incorrect.

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