Time Course and Characteristics of the Nutritional Conditions in Acute Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Spine Surg Relat Res, 2023 · DOI: 10.22603/ssrr.2022-0158 · Published: July 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Nutrition & Dietetics Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how nutrition changes over time in people who have recently suffered a traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). It aims to find the critical period when undernutrition is most likely to occur. The nutritional condition was assessed using both prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) scores, which objectively reflect nutritional and immunological risks using findings from blood tests. The study found that nutritional conditions improved significantly between 1 and 2 months after the injury, suggesting this is a key period for nutritional recovery.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

106 patients with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Individuals with severe paralysis (AIS A, B, or C) were significantly more undernourished than those with mild paresis (AIS D) three months after the injury.
2
Nutritional status, as measured by PNI and CONUT scores, improved significantly between 1 and 2 months post-injury.
3
A significant correlation was found between nutritional status and dysphagia (swallowing dysfunction) at all measured time points.

Research Summary

This retrospective cohort study examined the nutritional time course in individuals with acute traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). The study found that individuals with more severe paralysis were more likely to be undernourished and that nutritional status improved significantly between 1 and 2 months after the injury. The study concludes that attention should be paid to undernutrition, which is associated with dysphagia, especially in individuals with severe paralysis during the acute phase following injury.

Practical Implications

Nutritional Monitoring

Closely monitor the nutritional status of patients with severe cervical spinal cord injuries, particularly those with dysphagia, during the first few months after injury.

Dysphagia Management

Implement strategies to manage dysphagia and ensure adequate nutritional intake, such as modified diets or alternative feeding methods.

Rehabilitation Focus

Integrate nutritional support into rehabilitation programs to enhance recovery and improve activities of daily living.

Study Limitations

1
The study only followed individuals with acute CSCI, not chronic cases.
2
The study was conducted at a single facility, which may limit generalizability.
3
The study relies on retrospective data collection, which may be subject to biases.

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