Spinal Cord Injury due to Tumour or Metastasis in Aragón, Northeastern Spain (1991–2008): Incidence, Time Trends, and Neurological Function

BioMed Research International, 2017 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/2478197 · Published: July 25, 2017

Spinal Cord Injury Oncology Public Health

Simple Explanation

This study investigates spinal cord injuries caused by tumors or metastasis in a specific region of Spain over an 18-year period. The research aims to understand the incidence rates, how frequently these injuries occur, and any changes in these rates over time. By analyzing this data, the study hopes to predict future healthcare needs related to these types of spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

18 Years

Participants

In- and outpatients with nontraumatic SCI due to tumour or metastasis

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Tumors or metastasis accounted for 32.5% of nontraumatic SCI cases.
2
The incidence rate was 4.1 per million population, with rates increasing with age and over time.
3
Most tumors were located intradural-extramedullary, with meningiomas and neurinomas being the major pathology groups.

Research Summary

This study analyzed the incidence, neurological function, and time trends of spinal cord injury (SCI) due to tumors or metastasis in Aragón, Spain, over an 18-year period (1991–2008). The incidence rates more than doubled from the first period (1991–2000) to the second (2001–2008), and rates increased with age for both males and females. The study highlights the growing need for neurooncology health resources and a multidisciplinary approach to managing these cases.

Practical Implications

Healthcare Resource Allocation

The increasing incidence rates of tumor-related SCI suggest a growing need for neurooncology health resources, particularly for middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Multidisciplinary Approach

The study emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach in managing patients with tumor-related SCI, focusing on short-term disability healthcare goals.

Future Research

This work allows for the conduct of future studies focused on health outcomes such as survival and quality of life for each subtype of tumoural SCI.

Study Limitations

1
The retrospective design of the study is prone to biases including selection bias and recall bias.
2
Missing cases cannot be discarded.
3
Difficulties in estimation of true incidence are hospital-dependent detection rates, correct diagnosis, and entry into recognised coding systems

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