Spinal cord injury and COVID-19: some thoughts after the ﬁrst wave

Spinal Cord, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-020-0524-5 · Published: July 21, 2020

Simple Explanation

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly challenged healthcare systems globally, particularly affecting individuals with disabilities like spinal cord injury (SCI). Reduced access to healthcare services and hospital reorganizations have become common. The lockdown measures led to a decrease in urgent consultations for SCI, likely due to reduced mobility and reluctance to seek medical care. Telemedicine could be an essential tool to provide care and services to people with SCI in the future. Advanced age and comorbidity are risk factors for a poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients with SCI, similar to the general population. Vigilance measures for pneumonia should be implemented, especially in cervical lesions.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Patients with SCI and healthcare workers at a tertiary hospital

Evidence Level

Level V, Editorial/Commentary

Key Findings

1
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a rapid reorganization of SCI units within general hospital complexes.
2
Lockdown measures led to a notable reduction in urgent consultations for SCI.
3
Advanced age and comorbidity are risk factors for poor COVID-19 prognosis in SCI patients.

Research Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed major challenges for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and the specialized units that care for them. The rapid spread of the virus necessitated quick reorganization of units integrated within general hospitals. Restrictions in medical care were necessary due to the global emergency, but some solutions developed during this period could be beneficial for the future of healthcare organization. Telemedicine and improved patient education are highlighted as potential positive outcomes. The impact of COVID-19 varies across countries with different levels of development and healthcare systems. Prevention and treatment strategies must be adapted to diverse situations, with a focus on protection measures, noninvasive respiratory support, and access to intensive care where specialized units are unavailable.

Practical Implications

Healthcare Reorganization

Hospitals need to develop flexible strategies for bed allocation and resource management to accommodate surges in COVID-19 cases while maintaining essential services for SCI patients.

Telemedicine Adoption

Healthcare providers should integrate telemedicine into SCI care to improve access, reduce hospital visits, and empower patients and caregivers.

Infection Control Measures

SCI units must implement strict infection control protocols, including screening, isolation, and ventilation improvements, to minimize nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Study Limitations

1
The reflections are based on the experience of a single SCI unit in a European tertiary hospital.
2
The impact of COVID-19 on SCI patients in low- and middle-income countries may differ significantly.
3
Long-term effects of COVID-19 on SCI patients are yet to be fully understood.

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