Sexual abuse in people with spinal cord damage

Objectives: There are few studies of sexual abuse in people with spinal cord damage (SCD). Objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and impact of sexual abuse in SCD.

Design: Survey (web and paper-based).

Setting: Australia (August 2013–June 2014).

Participants: People with SCD (n?=?136); able-bodied controls (n?=?220).

Interventions: None.

Outcome measures: Spinal Cord Injury Secondary Conditions Scale, International SCI Quality of Life Basic Dataset, and the Physical Disability Sexual and Body Esteem scale. Questions regarding demographic and clinical characteristics, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, disability, sexual interest and satisfaction, and sexual abuse.

Results: Most SCD participants were male (n?=?92, 67%), the average age was 46 years (SD?=?14) and they were median of 11 years (IQR 4–21) after SCD. Of these, 19% (n?=?26) reported sexual abuse. Females were much more likely to report being abused (odds ratio 3.3, 95%CI 1.5–7.4; χ ²=10.9, P?=?0.001). Participants reporting sexual abuse were younger (P?=?0.01) and more likely to have been abused before their SCD (69%). There was no significant difference between those with SCD who reported sexual abuse and those who did not regarding their quality of life as a whole (P?>?0.1). There was no difference regarding the reporting of sexual abuse between able-bodied and those with SCD (P?=?0.1).

Conclusion: Sexual abuse was relatively common and was not associated with an adverse relationship with the covariates assessed. Further research is needed to better determine the prevalence of sexual abuse in people with SCD and its impact.     

Secondary health conditions and disability among people with spinal cord injury: A prospective cohort study

Objective: To examine how secondary health conditions (SHCs) that develop early after a spinal cord injury (SCI) are related to disability over time.Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: Two spinal units in New Zealand (Burwood Spinal Unit and Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit).Participants: Between 2007 and 2009, 91 people participated in three telephone interviews approximately 6, 18, and 30 months after the occurrence of a SCI.Outcome measures: SHCs were measured using 14 items derived from the Secondary Complications Survey. Disability was measured using the 12-item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. Linear regression analyses were performed to investigate associations between SHCs at 6 months and disability at each assessment point.Results: The most prevalent SHCs were leg spasms, constipation, back pain, pain below the level of SCI, and shoulder pain. Constipation, urinary tract infection, and headaches at 6 months post-SCI were associated with significantly higher levels of disability at each subsequent follow-up, independent of age, sex and SCI impairment. Back pain, and pain below the SCI, at 6 months were associated with significantly greater disability at 18 months, and difficulty coughing at 6 months was associated with significantly greater disability at 30 months.Conclusion: The experience of specific SHCs in the first 6 months after an SCI is related to greater long-term disability. In order to reduce the disability burden of people with SCI, efforts should be directed toward early prevention of these SHCs.     

Rehabilitation of people with spinal cord damage due to tumor: literature review,international survey and practical recommendations for optimizing their rehabilitation

Background/Objectives: People with spinal cord dysfunction (SCDys) due to tumor (benign and malignant) pose enormous rehabilitation challenges. Objectives were: conduct literature search regarding epidemiology, clinical features and outcomes for SCDys due to tumor following rehabilitation, the ideal setting for rehabilitation and practical considerations for rehabilitation; and propose framework and practical considerations for managing people with SCDys due to tumor in spinal rehabilitation units (SRUs).

Design: Survey of rehabilitation health care professionals, consensus opinion from experts and literature search.

Setting: Workshop at International Spinal Cord Society and American Spinal Injury Association combined annual meeting, May 16, 2015, Montréal, Canada.

Participants: Workshop attendees and experts in the rehabilitation of people with SCDys due to tumor.

Outcomes Measures: Reports of services offered to people with SCDys due to tumor, including whether those with benign and malignant tumors are admitted into rehabilitation, any admission criteria used and the rational for declining admission.

Results: Most respondents (n?=?33, 83%) reported that people with benign tumors were routinely admitted for rehabilitation but only 18 (45%) reported that people with malignant tumors were routinely admitted. A range of criteria and reasons for declining admission were given. Evidence from the literature and the opinion of experts support the admission of people with SCDys due to tumor into specialist SRUs.

Conclusions: A framework and practical considerations for managing people with SCDys due to tumor in SRUs are proposed. Patients with tumor causing SCDys should be given greater access to specialist SRU in order to achieve the best outcomes.     

Inpatient rehabilitation outcomes in patients with malignant spinal cord compression compared to other non-traumatic spinal cord injury: A population based study

Abstract

Objective

To compare and describe demographic characteristics, clinical, and survival outcomes in patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation following malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) or other causes of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NT-SCI).

Design

A retrospective cohort design was employed, using data retrieved from administrative databases.

Setting

Rehabilitation facilities or designated rehabilitation beds in Ontario, Canada, from April 2007 to March 2011.

Participants

Patients with incident diagnoses of MSCC (N = 143) or NT-SCI (N = 1,274) admitted for inpatient rehabilitation.

Outcome measures

Demographic, impairment, functional outcome (as defined by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM)), discharge, healthcare utilization, survival, and tumor characteristics.

Results

There was a significant improvement in the FIM from admission to discharge (mean change 20.1 ± 14.3, <0.001) in the MSCC cohort. NT-SCI patients demonstrated a higher FIM efficiency (1.2 ± 1.7 vs. 0.8 ± 0.8, <0.001) and higher total (24.0 ± 14.4 vs. 20.1 ± 14.3, <0.001) FIM gains relative to MSCC cases. However, there were no differences between the MSCC and NT-SCI cohorts in length of stay (34.6 ± 30.3 vs. 37.5 ± 35.2, P = 0.8) or discharge FIM (100.7 ± 19.6 vs. 103.3 ± 18.1, P = 0.1). Three-month, 1-year, and 3-year survival rates in the MSCC and NT-SCI cohorts were 76.2% vs. 97.6%, 46.2% vs. 93.7%, and 27.3% vs. 86.7%, respectively. The majority (65.0%) of patients with MSCC was discharged home and met their rehabilitation goals (75.5%) at comparable rates to patients with NT-SCI (69.7 and 81.3%).

Conclusion

Despite compromised survival, patients with MSCC make clinically significant functional gains and exhibit favorable discharge outcomes following inpatient rehabilitation. Current administrative data suggests the design and scope of inpatient rehabilitation services should reflect the unique survival-related prognostic factors in patients with MSCC.     

Inpatient rehabilitation outcomes in patients with malignant spinal cord compression compared to other non-traumatic spinal cord injury: A population based study

ObjectiveTo compare and describe demographic characteristics, clinical, and survival outcomes in patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation following malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) or other causes of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NT-SCI).DesignA retrospective cohort design was employed, using data retrieved from administrative databases.SettingRehabilitation facilities or designated rehabilitation beds in Ontario, Canada, from April 2007 to March 2011.ParticipantsPatients with incident diagnoses of MSCC (N = 143) or NT-SCI (N = 1,274) admitted for inpatient rehabilitation.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in the FIM from admission to discharge (mean change 20.1 ± 14.3, <0.001) in the MSCC cohort. NT-SCI patients demonstrated a higher FIM efficiency (1.2 ± 1.7 vs. 0.8 ± 0.8, <0.001) and higher total (24.0 ± 14.4 vs. 20.1 ± 14.3, <0.001) FIM gains relative to MSCC cases. However, there were no differences between the MSCC and NT-SCI cohorts in length of stay (34.6 ± 30.3 vs. 37.5 ± 35.2, P = 0.8) or discharge FIM (100.7 ± 19.6 vs. 103.3 ± 18.1, P = 0.1). Three-month, 1-year, and 3-year survival rates in the MSCC and NT-SCI cohorts were 76.2% vs. 97.6%, 46.2% vs. 93.7%, and 27.3% vs. 86.7%, respectively. The majority (65.0%) of patients with MSCC was discharged home and met their rehabilitation goals (75.5%) at comparable rates to patients with NT-SCI (69.7 and 81.3%).ConclusionDespite compromised survival, patients with MSCC make clinically significant functional gains and exhibit favorable discharge outcomes following inpatient rehabilitation. Current administrative data suggests the design and scope of inpatient rehabilitation services should reflect the unique survival-related prognostic factors in patients with MSCC.     

Access and engagement with places in the community,and the quality of life among people with spinal cord damage

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the association between self-reported accessibility and engagement with health services and places in the community, and quality of life (QOL) for people with spinal cord damage (SCD).DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingCommunity.ParticipantsTwo-hundred and sixty-six people with a SCD residing in Australia (M_age = 62.34, SD_age = 15.95).Outcome MeasureThe International Spinal Cord Injury Quality of Life Basic Data Set.ResultsUnivariate regressions demonstrated that accessing a higher number of places in the community was significantly associated with favorable self-reported psychological health (β = .160, P < .01), physical health (β = .144, P < .01), overall well-being (β = .206, P < .01), and QOL (β = .187, P < .01). In contrast, reporting a higher number of inaccessible places was significantly associated with unfavorable self-reported psychological health (β = −.171, P < .01), physical health (β = −.270, P < .001), overall well-being (β = −.238, P < .001), and QOL (β = −.244, P < .001). Being older and living with injury or onset of damage longer were significantly associated with favorable scores across all outcomes (P < .01) except physical health.ConclusionsCommunity engagement can have a considerable impact on the self-reported health and QOL of people with SCD. Interventions aimed at increasing community engagement, particularly for people who have recently experienced SCD are warranted.     

Experimental determination of the effect of progressive sharp-angle spinal deformity on the spinal cord

Neurological deficit is a serious though not well-known complication associated with spinal deformity. Sharp-angle kyphosis may be congenital, traumatic, degenerative, infectious, or iatrogenic in origin. Many kyphotic deformities are underestimated, thus leading to severe neurological deficit. In order to determine exactly what procedures of angulation the patients should undergo to stabilize the spine, which are major operations, the authors analyzed in an experimental model the effects of progressive sharp angulation on the anatomy of spinal canal and cord. We found that sharp anterior angulation of 50° causes ante rior-posterior stenosis and the dura will touch the spinal cord. At 90° of angulation, the spinal cord will be squeezed and the pressure in the canal will be double what it was initially, probably leading to ischemia. The experimental confirmation (determination) of these angulations allows the physician in charge to define early in the treatment program when a surgical stabilization procedure should be included, before the angulation causes any neurological damage.     

Changes of intracellular calcium and the correlation with functional damage of the spinal cord after spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE: To observe dynamic changes of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) after spinal cord injury, and to study the relationship between the changes of [Ca(2+)]i and the functional damage of the spinal cord. METHODS: The rats were subjected to a spinal cord contusion by using a modified Allen's method. The [Ca(2+)]i in the injured segment of the spinal cord was measured by the technique of La(3+) blockage and atomic absorption spectroscopy at 1, 4, 8, 24, 72, and 168 hours after injury. The motor function on the inclined plane was measured at the same time. RESULTS: The spinal cord [Ca(2+)]i increased significantly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) aft er spinal cord injury. There was a significant correlation (P<0.05) between the changes of [Ca(2+)]i and the motor function. CONCLUSIONS: [Ca(2+)]i overload may play an important role in the pathogenesis of spinal cord injury.     

脊柱损伤并脊髓损伤患者的早期手术处理

本文以１９８９年３月～１９９０年１月收治陈旧性脊柱脊髓损伤患者５３例为甲组，本院早期治疗３２例为乙组。就其整复骨折脱位与内固定进行对比分析，以提高对早期手术康复的认识．作者强调对脊柱骨折脱位合并脊髓损伤患者，早期手术中过伸复位可达到复位完全，后弓角小于１０°，椎体张开达８０％以上这三项指标。脊髓减压，并给以短节段椎弓根螺丝内固定，以保持复位，早期进行康复．     

TRH对大鼠脊髓损伤后SCBF和SEP的影响

脊髓损伤（ＳＣＩ）后内源性阿片肽释放，并参与脊髓的继发损伤机制。ＴＲＨ可阻断阿片肽的自主神经效应，而不影响痛觉。本实验探讨大剂量ＴＲＨ（２ｍｇ／ｋｇ／ｈ）治疗对大鼠脊髓打击伤（Ａｌｌｅｎｓ法１０ｇｘ５ｃｍ）后脊髓血流量（ＳＣＢＦ）和脊髓诱发电位（ＳＥＰ）的影响。脊髓损伤后１ｈ，ＳＣＢＦ开始显著下降，持续至伤后２４ｈ，ＳＥＰ峰潜时呈进行性延长趋势；伤后即刻静脉注射ＴＲＨ（２ｍｇ／ｋｇ／ｈ，共５次），可使伤后即刻和２４ｈ的ＳＣＢＦ显著升高，并使伤后ＳＣＢＦ下降时间延迟３ｈ，同时ＳＥＰ峰潜时有不同程度改善。结果表明，ＴＲＨ对受伤脊髓早期有一定的防治作用，并具有一定的后发效应；同时也可促进脊髓的神经传导功能。本文亦对ＴＲＨ治疗ＳＣＩ的病理生物学机制进行了讨论。     

What to call spinal cord damage not due to trauma? Implications for literature searching

Abstract

Objectives

To illustrate the importance of multiple search terms and databases when searching publications on spinal cord damage not due to trauma. To develop comprehensive search filter for this subject, compare the results for 2000–2009 with the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and Emtree term ‘spinal cord diseases’ and determine changes in the number of articles over this period.

Design

Literature searches and search filter development.

Setting

Australia.

Interventions

Titles and abstracts searched in MEDLINE and EMBASE (2000–2009) for articles involving humans using search terms ‘non-traumatic spinal cord injury’ and ‘nontraumatic spinal cord injury’ (concise search). Develop comprehensive search filter for ‘spinal cord damage not due to trauma’ and compare the results with the MeSH term ‘spinal cord diseases.’

Outcome measures

Annual publications (2000–2009) identified in MEDLINE and EMBASE literature searches.

Results

Concise search identified 35 articles published during 2000–2009. More publications were identified using the term ‘nontraumatic spinal cord injury’ (n = 20) than ‘non-traumatic spinal cord injury’ (n = 16). Publications increased for both terms ‘spinal cord diseases’ (2000 = 279; 2009 = 415) and ‘spinal cord damage not due to trauma’ identified by the comprehensive search filter (2000 = 1251; 2009 = 1921).

Conclusions

Concise searches using terms ‘non-traumatic spinal cord injury’ and ‘nontraumatic spinal cord injury’ fail to identify relevant articles unless combinations of terms and databases are used. These are inadequate search terms for a comprehensive search. Further research is needed to validate our comprehensive search filter. An international consensus process is required to establish an agreed term for ‘spinal cord damage not due to trauma.’     

Factors associated with sports participation amongst people with spinal cord injury in a Malaysian tertiary hospital

Objective:To identify factors that are associated with sports participation following spinal cord injury (SCI).Study Design:Case–control study.Setting:Spinal Rehabilitation outpatient clinic in a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Participants:Thirty-one sports participants (SP) and thirty-four non-sports participants (NSP) (N = 65) met the following inclusion criteria; chronic SCI more than one year, age between 18 and 50 years, both traumatic and non-traumatic SCI at C5 level and below, complete or incomplete SCI (AIS A-D) and mobilizing with either manual or motorized wheelchair independently.Methods:Face-to-face interviews were performed with a 22-item self-constructed questionnaire which contained four domains of variables; socio-demographic, SCI-related, environmental and sports-related factors. Data collection was done between June 2017 and May 2018.Results:Traumatic SCI, pre-injury interest in sports, pre-injury sports participation, ability to drive own vehicles, and being employed were significantly associated with sports participation post-SCI (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression revealed traumatic SCI (p = 0.012, OR 34.70, CI 2.21–545.90) and pre-injury interest in sports (p = 0.046, OR 29.10, CI 1.06–798.95) to be independent predictors of sports participation post-SCI.Conclusion:Traumatic SCI and pre-injury interest in sports were predictors of sports participation post-SCI. Pre-injury sports participation, being employed, and the ability to drive own vehicles were positively associated with sports participation. Findings from this study suggest a few crucial differences in facilitators and barriers to sports participation in Malaysia compared to other countries.     

Satisfaction with access and quality of healthcare services for people with spinal cord injury living in the community

Objective: To identify barriers to access healthcare services and reveal determinants of satisfaction with healthcare services in people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Community setting in Switzerland.

Participants: People with chronic SCI.

Interventions: Non-applicable.

Outcome Measures: Questionnaire-based evaluation of availability and quality of healthcare services for secondary health conditions, satisfaction with fulfillment of healthcare needs, and preference for care from a hypothetical service provider with limited specialized SCI care expertise but in close proximity over comprehensive care from an existing specialized SCI center located at a greater distance.

Results: Close to three-quarter of participants (70%) indicated satisfaction with healthcare services received for SCI related health conditions. Elderly individuals (61+ years old) rated the availability and quality of healthcare 6% to 11% higher than younger individuals. The perceived fulfillment of healthcare needs was lower in people with incomplete paraplegia (odds ratio (OR) 2.11, 95%-credibility interval (CI) 1.18–3.84), chronic pain (OR 1.85, CI 1.12–3.08), insufficient access to long distance transportation (OR 5.81, CI 2.74–12.82), and longer travel distances to specialized SCI centers.

Conclusion: Perceived inadequateness of access to healthcare services was partly related to transportation barriers, suggesting that outreach services or support with transportation are possible solutions. People with incomplete paralysis and pain consistently rated the fulfillment of care needs associated with SCI less favorably, pointing to the need for enhanced advocacy for this vulnerable groups.     

应用改进封闭脊髓窗技术活体观察脊髓损伤后脊髓微循环变化

目的:探讨应用改进的封闭脊髓窗技术活体观察大鼠脊髓损伤后脊髓微循环变化的可行性及效果.方法:改进传统的脊髓窗,设计带有打击探头的脊髓窗.45只SD大鼠随机分为对照组(n=20)和实验组(n=25).实验组大鼠脊髓窗安装完成后进行窗内打击脊髓,然后即时观察并记录打击后2h内打击点周围微动脉直径的变化.对照组大鼠在脊髓窗安装完成后不进行打击,只对脊髓微动脉直径进行连续2h观察并记录.术后两组大鼠进行BBB运动功能评分,处死动物取脊髓标本切片,HE染色,观察脊髓组织改变情况.结果:实验组大鼠打击点周围2～6mm的微动脉直径在打击后10min、30min、1h、2h各时间点均较打击前明显减小,术后2d及7d时BBB功能评分明显低于术前,病理切片可见脊髓打击区神经组织变性液化.对照组大鼠在观测开始及结束时脊髓微动脉直径无明显变化,术后BBB评分与术前BBB评分均为21分,病理切片未见脊髓损伤表现.结论:改进的封闭脊髓窗技术可以有效地实现窗内打击脊髓,并可以安全地对脊髓表面微血管进行活体观测.脊髓表面打击点周围2～6mm的微动脉在脊髓损伤后10min即发生痉挛.     

急性脊髓损伤中脊髓血流量与神经功能损害的关系

目的 :观察脊髓损伤 (SCI)后伤段脊髓血流量的动态变化 ,探讨其与脊髓神经功能损害的关系。方法 :Allen′s法致伤大鼠脊髓 ,于伤前和伤后 1、4、8、2 4、72、1 6 8h和 1个月 ,采用氢清除法测量脊髓血流量 ,参照Konrad的方法记录脊髓运动诱发电位 (MEP) ,应用斜板试验评价大鼠的运动功能。结果 :SCI后伤段脊髓血流量明显下降 (P <0 0 5或 0 0 1 ) ,与脊髓MEP的变化和运动功能的损害呈显著相关关系。结论 :脊髓损伤后缺血在脊髓神经功能损害中有重要意义 ,可能是SCI后继发性损伤形成的主要因素之一。     

The state of aquatic therapy use for clients with spinal cord injury or disorder: Knowledge and current practice

Context/objectivesAquatic therapy (AT) has been reported to be beneficial for individuals with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D); however, AT has also been reported to be underutilized in SCI/D rehabilitation. We aimed to understand the knowledge and current practice of AT for clients with SCI/D by physiotherapists, physiotherapy assistants and kinesiologists across Canada.Design/MethodA survey with closed- and open-ended questions was distributed (July-October 2019) to professionals through letters sent by professional associations. Non-parametric analyses were used to compare AT knowledge and practice between AT and non-AT users; content analysis was used to identify the themes from open-ended questions.ResultsSeventy-eight respondents from 10 provinces were included in the analysis: 33 physiotherapists, 5 physiotherapy assistants and 40 kinesiologists. Respondents using AT (73%) reported greater knowledge of AT benefits and confidence to apply AT than respondents not using AT (p<0.01). Four themes were identified: 1-Variety of physical and psychosocial benefits of AT for people with SCI/D; 2-Attainment of movement and independence not possible on land; 3-Issues around pool accessibility; and 4-Constraints on AT implementation.ConclusionsRespondents implemented AT to improve health outcomes for patients with SCI/D, despite facing challenges with pool accessibility and numerous constraints. Respondents who provided AT reported having better knowledge of AT and a supported AT practice in the work environment than respondents not providing AT. This study will inform AT stakeholders and institutions when considering strategies to increase the access to AT after SCI/D.     

Functional independence of persons with long-standing motor complete spinal cord injury in the Netherlands

Context/Objective: Since life expectancy of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) has improved, it is relevant to know whether this group is able to maintain functional abilities many years after onset of SCI. Objectives of this study were (1) to examine associations between time since injury (TSI) and functional independence in persons with long-standing SCI and (2) to explore associations between functional independence and level of injury, comorbidities, mental health, waist circumference and secondary health conditions (SHCs).

Design: TSI-stratified cross-sectional study. Strata were 10–19, 20–29 and 30+ years.

Setting: Community.

Participants: 226 persons with long-standing SCI. Inclusion criteria: motor complete SCI; age at injury 18–35 years; TSI?≥?10 years; current age 28–65 years; wheelchair dependency.

Interventions: Not applicable.

Outcome measures: The Spinal Cord Independence Measure III (SCIM) was administered by a trained research assistant. Level of injury, comorbidities, mental health, waist circumference and SHCs were assessed by a rehabilitation physician.

Results: Mean TSI was 23.6 (SD 9.1) years. No significant differences in SCIM scores were found between TSI strata. SCIM scores were lower for persons with tetraplegia, autonomic dysreflexia, hypotension, more than four SHCs and a high waist circumference. In linear regression analyses, TSI nor age was associated with the SCIM total score. Only level of injury (β?=?–0.7; P?<?.001) and waist circumference (β?=?–0.1; P?=?.042) were independent determinants (explained variance 55%).

Conclusion: We found no association between TSI and functional independence in persons with long-standing motor complete SCI. This study confirms the possible effect of overweight on functional independence.     

The average cost of pressure ulcer management in a community dwelling spinal cord injury population

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common secondary complication experienced by community dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). There is a paucity of literature on the health economic impact of PU in SCI population from a societal perspective. The objective of this study was to determine the resource use and costs in 2010 Canadian dollars of a community dwelling SCI individual experiencing a PU from a societal perspective. A non‐comparative cost analysis was conducted on a cohort of community dwelling SCI individuals from Ontario, Canada. Medical resource use was recorded over the study period. Unit costs associated with these resources were collected from publicly available sources and published literature. Average monthly cost was calculated based on 7‐month follow‐up. Costs were stratified by age, PU history, severity level, location of SCI, duration of current PU and PU surface area. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out. Among the 12 study participants, total average monthly cost per community dwelling SCI individual with a PU was $4745. Hospital admission costs represented the greatest percentage of the total cost (62%). Sensitivity analysis showed that the total average monthly costs were most sensitive to variations in hospitalisation costs.     

Improving the efficiency of screening for major depression in people with spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: To investigate the metric properties, relative efficiency, sensitivity and specificity, and positive predictive value of a short form of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) that may be used as a screening test for depression. METHODS: Data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center Database containing 3,652 records with complete data for the PHQ-9 were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Item Response Theory Graded Response Model analysis, and sensitivity and specificity analysis of classification. RESULTS: A scale comprised of items 1, 2, and 6 from the PHQ-9 has a relative efficiency of 0.66 compared to the 9-item scale. Using this 3-item scale and a cutoff score of 3 or more provides specificity of 0.93 and sensitivity of 0.87; a cutoff of 4 provides specificity of 0.95 and sensitivity of 0.82. The shorter version of the scale reduces the effect of response bias caused by gender. The relative efficiency of the 9-item scale is 0.88 for women compared to men; the 3-item scale increases the relative efficiency to 0.93. CONCLUSION: A 3-item scale provides adequate information for clinical screening purposes. Cutoff scores of either 3 or 4 are acceptable and present options for decision making within a particular clinical setting. Additionally, the 3-item scale reduces the effect of gender of the respondent on the score obtained.     

儿童无放射学影像异常的脊髓损伤14例临床分析

目的：提高对儿童无放射学影像异常的脊髓损伤（spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality，SCIWORA）的认识。方法：对1992年1月至2005年8月北京儿童医院住院患者中诊断为“急性脊髓炎”或“脊髓损伤”的187例进行回顾性分析，发现其中14例为SCIWORA。男6例，女8例。年龄1岁3个月～15岁（15岁1例，1岁3个月～7岁13例）。均有明确外伤史。损伤水平在C6～T9，颈髓2例，胸髓12例。脊髓功能ASIA分级：A级9例，C级4例，D级1例。脊柱X线片和CT未见骨折及脱位；MRI检查示脊髓水肿9例,脊髓出血2例，脊髓挫伤3例。采用综合治疗，包括卧床、局部制动，应用激素、脱水剂、神经营养药等。结果：4例患者失访，10例患者随访6个月～5年，平均2年3个月，4例（C级3例，D级1例）患者（均为MRI显示水肿局限者）在伤后6个月运动、感觉及括约肌功能完全恢复（E级）；6例（A级）患者运动、感觉及括约肌障碍未恢复。2例（A级）病初MRI表现为脊髓弥漫水肿者，伤后4～6个月复查MRI脊髓呈萎缩样改变。结论：对怀疑SCIWORA的儿童，应首选MRI检查。脊髓水肿局限者预后好，水肿弥漫或伴有出血、挫伤者预后差。