Monitoring development of autonomic dysreflexia during urodynamic investigation in patients with spinal cord injury

Objectives: We aimed to investigate whether autonomic dysreflexia (AD) develops during urodynamic investigation in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) with neurological level below thoracic (T) 6 together with the frequency and related factors for AD development.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Methods: The systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) of 51 SCI patients with a neurological level below T6 were measured and recorded at the beginning and every two minutes during the filling phase of the urodynamic study. The changes between the SBP, DBP and HR values at the beginning and end of the filling phase were analyzed.

Results: Autonomic dysreflexia developed only in one of the 51 patients included into the study. The BP of this patient increased from 105/76 mmHg to 145/102 mmHg and the HR dropped from 88 beats/minute (bpm) to 69 bpm together with development of the AD symptoms. The patient was a 47-year-old male with a neurological level at T8. A significant difference was found between the mean SBP and the mean DBP values at the beginning and end of the filling phase.

Conclusions: Although rare, AD can be seen during urodynamic investigation in patients with a neurological level below T6, especially when close to the T6 level. Therefore, we suggest that the patients with a neurological level below T6 and especially closer to T6 level should be followed-up in terms of development of AD. The clinicians should take into account the HR values in addition to the the SBP and DBP values at follow-ups.     

Exploring detailed characteristics of autonomic dysreflexia

Objectives: Identify clinical and pathophysiologic insights into autonomic dysreflexia (AD) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Study Design: Analysis of prospectively gathered AD dataset.

Setting: Inpatient Veterans Affairs SCI unit.

Participants: 78 male patients with SCI who experienced AD.

Methods: Statistical methods were utilized to identify the frequency of relative bradycardia vs. tachycardia during AD, the effectiveness of supplemental opioids in managing suspected nociceptive pain mediated AD, the effect of chronicity of SCI on response to pharmacological management of AD, and the response to nitroglycerin ointment in suspected bladder related AD.

Results: 445 episodes of AD were analyzed. The frequency of relative bradycardia and tachycardia with AD were 0.3% and 68.0% respectively. The addition of opioids to an antihypertensive medication protocol did not significantly decrease AD episode duration or magnitude of systolic blood pressure (SBP) change. A strongly matched positive linear correlation was identified between the duration of pharmacologically treated AD episodes and chronicity of SCI (R²=0.83). Bladder related AD episodes treated with nitroglycerin ointment had a faster onset of action (10.8 minutes vs. 15.9 minutes), faster time to reach a safe target blood pressure (16.5 minutes vs 20.9 minutes), and greater decrease in SBP (84.3mmHg vs. 68.6mmHg) than non-bladder related episodes (P=0.19, 0.23, and 0.02 respectively).

Conclusions: AD may commonly occur with relative tachycardia. While further investigation is needed on the effects of chronicity of SCI and pharmacologic management, this study raises multiple directions for future research to understand clinical signs and treatment variables of AD following SCI.     

Anxiety masquerading as autonomic dysreflexia

Context: Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is characterized by a sudden onset of hypertension in those with spinal cord injuries (SCI) at T6 or above. Prompt recognition and treatment of AD is important. Herein are two individuals with SCI and acute hypertension due to anxiety that may easily have been confused for AD.

Findings: Case 1: A 77-year-old male with C4 AIS D SCI and a history of anxiety and AD presented for urodynamics to evaluate the effectiveness of onabotulinumtoxinA injections into his urethral sphincter. After lying down on the urodynamics table, his systolic blood pressure (SBP) was noted to rise, from 138 to 170?mmHg over six minutes without any instrumentation or position change. Upon announcing urodynamics would be postponed and preparing for AD management, his SBP returned to below baseline within two minutes. Case 2: A 57-year-old male with T12 AIS A SCI and a history of anxiety presented for routine urodynamics. His baseline SBP was 140?mmHg. During bladder filling, incidental SBP was elevated to 170?mmHg. Filling was stopped and he was told the study was complete. One minute later, prior to draining his bladder, SBP decreased to 150?mmHg.

Conclusions: An individual's psychological state should be considered in addition to traditional management of AD when an individual with SCI presents with hypertension. Moreover, Case 2 may possibly explain reports of individuals presenting with AD with injuries below T6.     

The knowledge about autonomic dysreflexia among nursing and physiotherapy students

Context/Objective Autonomic dysreflexia is a clinical syndrome affecting persons with spinal cord lesions. The aim of the study was to detect the level of knowledge among students about autonomic dysreflexia in persons with spinal cord lesions.

Design: Single centre questionnaire study.

Setting: Faculty of Health Studies, Rijeka, Croatia.

Participants Nursing (n?=?43) and physiotherapy (n?=?48) students.

Outcome Measures: AD knowledge test.

Results: More of the half of the students (57%) had contact with persons with spinal cord lesions during work, especially nursing students. The self-estimated knowledge of autonomic dysreflexia was judged as poor or none in 73.6% of students. On the autonomic dysreflexia knowledge test, nursing students collected mean of 5.6 points and physiotherapy students 4.9 points (P?=?0.173). There was no difference in the autonomic dysreflexia test results regardless of work experience or group affiliation.

Conclusion: The level of knowledge about autonomic dysreflexia among students was low. Our results suggest the need for more education of students and health care professionals to apply adequate treatment to persons with episodes of autonomic dysreflexia.     

Intravesical lidocaine decreases autonomic dysreflexia when administered prior to catheter change

Objective: To evaluate the role of intravesical lidocaine in preventing autonomic dysreflexia (AD) during routine catheter changes in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) at T6 or above.

Design: Prospective observational cohort study.

Setting: Outpatient urology clinic.

Participants: Fifty consecutive individuals with SCI at or above T6 and a history of AD having a routine indwelling catheter change.

Interventions: A treatment group of individuals received 10?ml of 2% lidocaine administered into the existing catheter 4–6 minutes prior to catheter change. The control group had the same amount of lidocaine administered into the urethra or suprapubic tract after removing the old catheter and immediately prior to inserting the new catheter (due to the delayed onset of action of the anesthetic, this was assumed to have no initial effect). Systolic blood pressures (SBP) were measured immediately after catheter insertion and then every 30–45 seconds for 5 minutes.

Outcome measures: Incidence and magnitude of AD as determined by SBP following catheter change.

Results: The incidence of AD in the lidocaine treatment group was 14.8% vs 47.8% in the control group (P?=?.011). Pretreatment with lidocaine also demonstrated a significantly attenuated rise in SBP immediately after the catheter change (9.5?mmHg vs 26.9?mmHg for post-treatment, P?=?.014) relative to baseline SBP.

Conclusion: In individuals with SCI at risk of AD, pretreatment with intravesical lidocaine prior to catheter change significantly decreased both the incidence and magnitude of AD. This suggests that pretreatment with intravesical lidocaine is helpful in individuals with SCI who are prone to AD.     

PRES secondary to autonomic dysreflexia: A case series and review of the literature

Context: Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a complex syndrome seen in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and can be life-threatening with a significant negative impact on the health of the individual. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is thought to be caused, in part, by rapid elevations in blood pressure; leading to posterior cerebral circulatory edema. This can result in seizures, blindness and can progress to fatal intracranial hemorrhages.Findings: Here we present two cases of patients with SCI who developed PRES from AD. Each patient was correctly diagnosed, leading to appropriate treatment of the factors leading to their AD and subsequent resolution of their PRES symptoms.Conclusions/Clinical Relevance: In SCI patients who present with new seizures, visual deficits, or other neurologic signs, PRES should be considered as a part of the differential diagnosis as a good outcome relies on rapid recognition and treatment of AD.     

Muscle invasive bladder cancer presenting as recurrent autonomic dysreflexia – a wolf in wolf’s clothing

Context: Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially lethal condition experienced by spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. It has a wide range of causes, most of which are genitourinary in nature. However, there has been no documented case of primary bladder cancer as a trigger for recurrent autonomic dysreflexia.

Findings: We present a case of a 51-year-old spinal cord injury patient with multiple presentations of autonomic dysreflexia. Work up revealed locally invasive bladder cancer, and following definitive surgery, his symptoms were alleviated.

Conclusions: In SCI patients with recurrent AD, comprehensive work up with involvement of a specialized Urologist is required as AD may be the only presenting symptom of a serious underlying medical condition.     

Vertebral insufficiency fractures as a cause of autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with chronic tetraplegia: A case report

Context: Osteoporosis is a known complication in spinal cord injury patients and can result in an increased risk of fractures and associated morbidity. Bone demineralization is most common in long bones below the level of injury. The pathogenesis is complex and not fully understood.Findings: We present the case of a 65-year-old male with chronic spinal cord injury who was found to have multiple vertebral compression fractures causing autonomic dysreflexia and new onset spasticity.Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: This case illustrates the need for improved awareness, diagnosis, and prevention for this disease process.     

Life-threatening outcomes associated with autonomic dysreflexia: A clinical review

Context

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a life-threatening complication of chronic traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objective

To document and provide insight into the life-threatening sequelae associated with AD.

Methods

A review was conducted to identify literature which documented cases of AD associated with life-threatening outcomes (and death). The search strategy comprised of a keyword search on the PubMed database as well as manual searches of retrieved articles. Outcomes were categorized into three main classes: central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular (CV), and pulmonary.

Results

Thirty-two cases of death or life-threatening complications of AD were found. Twenty-three (72%) cases were CNS-related, seven (22%) cases were CV-related, and two (6%) cases were pulmonary-related. In total, seven (22%) deaths were noted as a direct result of complications following an AD attack.

Conclusion

AD is a well-known consequence of SCI among individuals with high thoracic and cervical injuries. Many of these individuals experience this condition on a daily basis. Medical personnel, care givers, and individuals with SCI should be aware of the importance of timely diagnosis and management of this life-threatening condition, which can result in a variety of significant complications including stroke, seizures, myocardial ischemia, and death.     

Single-dose intravesical amikacin instillation for pyocystis in a patient with autonomic dysreflexia: A case report

ContextPyocystis is an infection of the epithelium of the bladder and a frequent complication of anuria. Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) at the sixth thoracic vertebra (T6) or higher are at a greater risk for autonomic dysreflexia (AD), which can be induced by infections such as pyocystis. Cases of pyocystis treatment with aminoglycoside instillations have been reported in the literature.FindingsWe describe the case of a 59-year-old male with T1 American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grade A complete paraplegia, status post bilateral nephrectomy with recurrent episodes of AD suspected to be caused by pyocystis related to anuria. A bladder specimen culture grew Escherichia coli susceptible to amikacin with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ≤ 8 mg/L. In the setting of anuria and with concern that intravenous antibiotics would not adequately reach the site of infection, we chose to treat the patient with a single-dose intravesical instillation of amikacin 25 mg/100 mL left to dwell for approximately 2 h. A repeat bladder culture showed no colonies. The patient remained stable with no episodes of AD and no signs or symptoms of infection one month following treatment.ConclusionThe purpose of this case report is to add to the current literature on intravesical aminoglycoside instillations for pyocystis to aid clinicians in treating future cases, as well as to highlight pyocystis as a potential cause of AD in SCI patients with anuria.     

A retrospective review of safety using a nursing driven protocol for autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injuries

Objective/Background: Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening condition which afflicts a significant proportion of individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). To date, the safety and efficacy of several commonly used interventions for this condition have not been studied.

Design: A retrospective chart review of the safety of a previously implemented nursing driven inpatient autonomic dysreflexia protocol.

Methods: Seventy-eight male patients with SCI who experienced autonomic dysreflexia while inpatient at our Veterans Affairs SCI unit over a 3–1/2-year period were included. The safety of a nursing driven protocol utilizing conservative measures, nitroglycerin paste, and oral hydralazine was evaluated.

Outcome Measures: Occurrence of adverse events and relative hypotensive events during all episodes treated with the protocol, and efficacy of attaining target blood pressure for all episodes with protocol adherence and for initial episode experienced by each patient.

Results: Four hundred forty-five episodes of autonomic dysreflexia were recorded in the study period, with 92% adherence to the protocol. When the protocol was followed, target blood pressure was achieved for 97.6% of all episodes. Twenty-three total adverse events occurred (5.2% of all episodes). All adverse events were due to hypotension and only 0.9% required interventions beyond clinical monitoring. Of each patient's initial autonomic dysreflexia episode, 97.3% resolved using the protocol without need for further escalation of care.

Conclusion: This inpatient nursing driven-protocol for treating autonomic dysreflexia utilizing conservative measures, nitroglycerin paste and oral hydralazine achieved target blood pressure with a high success rate and a low incidence of adverse events.     

Exploring daily blood pressure fluctuations and cardiovascular risk among individuals with motor complete spinal cord injury: a pilot study

Background: Clinically silent autonomic dysfunction with bowel and bladder care, are postulated to contribute to cardiovascular disease after chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objective: We describe the frequency and severity of dysreflexic episodes, termed transient blood pressure elevations (T-BPE) over 48 hours in adults with cervical or high-thoracic motor-complete SCI.

Setting: Tertiary SCI Rehabilitation Centre in Toronto, Canada.

Participants: Individuals with chronic SCI, C1-T3 AIS A or B, >1 year post-injury, living in the community (n=19).

Outcome Measures: Data were obtained via 48-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) monitoring, with data captured at 10-minute intervals and a concurrent diary describing activities of daily living, and bladder/bowel routines. T-BPE were defined as a?≥?40 mmHg elevation in systolic blood pressure (SBP) above the participant's supine baseline. Severe (≥ 60–79 mmHg) and Extreme ≥80 mmHg elevations in SBP were described.

Results: Thirteen participants experienced T-BPE within the assessment period, with 7/13 experiencing “severe”, and 3/13 experiencing “extreme” SBP elevations. The median number of T-BPE was 8 (IQR?=?3), and the mean?±?SD SBP during T-BPE was 150?±?16 mmHg, These T-BPE were verified as dysreflexic events using a conservative definition of a >40 mmHg increase in SBP, with a concurrent 10 bpm decrease in HR, above the 48-hour average SBP, yielding 12/19 participants with T-BPE.

Conclusions: T-BPE were frequent, often with severe or extreme elevations in SBP, despite few reported symptoms. Recognition and management of these dysreflexic events associated with T-BPE are needed, which may ameliorate cardiovascular disease risk.     

Cortical blindness associated with autonomic dysreflexia in a man with tetraplegia: A rare but serious complication

Abstract

Context

To describe a case of a 44-year-old man with complete C4 tetraplegia who developed transient cortical blindness in the subacute setting following episodes of autonomic dysreflexia.

Findings

Transient cortical blindness the day after surgery for appendicitis that had resulted in severe autonomic dysreflexia (AD) requiring aggressive blood pressure management. Imaging showed no evidence of acute stroke, but did show vasospasm in the occipital lobes. Vision improved over the next couple of months.

Conclusion/clinical relevance

This case illustrates a possible profound vasomotor phenomenon (cortical blindness) associated with AD and its symptomatic treatment. Early recognition of AD and treatment of its underlying cause cannot be overemphasized.     

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a chronic spinal cord injury patient with autonomic dysreflexia: A case report

Context: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a transient stress-induced cardiomyopathy with left ventricular dysfunction of unknown etiology. A well accepted theory for the pathophysiology of TC is attributed to a massive catecholamine release [1]. This case report will review a chronic tetraplegia patient who was diagnosed with TC after a severe episode of autonomic dysreflexia (AD). He experiences mild episodes of AD several times a day; however, he had never experienced the severity of symptoms that was associated with this episode which led to his hospitalization. Autonomic dysreflexia is a syndrome of imbalanced sympathetic input secondary to loss of descending central sympathetic control in spinal cord injury due to noxious stimuli below the level of the injury, which occurs when the injury level is at thoracic level 6 (T6) or above [2].Findings: In this specific case, it is presumed that the massive catecholamine release associated with this severe AD episode resulted in TC. Although TC has been diagnosed after other instances of acute stress, it is unknown for it to be diagnosed after AD in a chronic setting.Clinical Relevance: The long-term effects of AD have not been well studied, and this case illustrates the importance of education to recognize and manage AD in the spinal cord patient who frequently has episodes of AD.     

Cortical blindness associated with autonomic dysreflexia in a man with tetraplegia: a rare but serious complication

CONTEXT: To describe a case of a 44-year-old man with complete C4 tetraplegia who developed transient cortical blindness in the subacute setting following episodes of autonomic dysreflexia. FINDINGS: Transient cortical blindness the day after surgery for appendicitis that had resulted in severe autonomic dysreflexia (AD) requiring aggressive blood pressure management. Imaging showed no evidence of acute stroke, but did show vasospasm in the occipital lobes. Vision improved over the next couple of months. Conclusion/clinical relevance: This case illustrates a possible profound vasomotor phenomenon (cortical blindness) associated with AD and its symptomatic treatment. Early recognition of AD and treatment of its underlying cause cannot be overemphasized.     

Effect of intravesical botulinum toxin injection on symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia in a patient with chronic spinal cord injury: a case report

Context: There are few treatment options for managing autonomic dysreflexia in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). According to some studies, intravesical botulinum toxin for SCI patients with autonomic dysreflexia has a preventive effect on symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia. However, the usefulness of an intravesical botulinum toxin injection has never been reported for autonomic dysreflexia in an adult patient with chronic cervical SCI, although there has been for one pediatric patient.

Findings: A 62-year-old man with chronic cervical SCI had neurogenic bladder due to C6-7 SCI since sustaining a fall in 1980. He presented with an intermittent headache and severe hypertension because of persistent autonomic dysreflexia. His symptoms did not improve with conservative management, and he could not undergo an operation to resect the lung cancer because of his uncontrolled blood pressure. To control his fluctuating blood pressure, he was taken to an operating room to receive an intravesical botulinum toxin injection for refractory bladder spasms. Subsequently, his blood pressure was controlled, and then the lung mass could be surgically removed. His improved condition lasted for more than 6 months.

Conclusion: This case suggests that botulinum toxin is a logical treatment option for autonomic dysreflexia as well as neurogenic detrusor overactivity in patients with chronic SCI. Dedicated research is warranted to assess the efficacy of an intravesical botulinum toxin injection, as it was used successfully to stop the symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia in our patient.     

Safety and preliminary efficacy of functional electrical stimulation cycling in an individual with cervical cord injury,autonomic dysreflexia,and a pacemaker: Case report

Context: Functional electric stimulation (FES) cycling is a commonly used therapeutic exercise modality after spinal cord injury (SCI); however, additional precautions must be taken in certain situations. The purpose of this study was to develop and apply a safety monitoring protocol for autonomic dysreflexia (AD) during FES cycling and to determine if an interval-FES cycling program can be safe and beneficial to an individual with cervical SCI, a history of AD, and a non-dependent cardiac pacemaker.The participant was a 36-year-old male with C6 AIS-C SCI sustained 9 years earlier, intermittent AD, and implanted cardiac pacemaker. Ten sessions of interval-FES cycling were performed twice weekly for 5 weeks. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), blood pressure (BP), oxygen saturation (O2sat), and heart rate (HR) were monitored before, after, and every 5 min during cycling. ECG and cardiac pacemaker were evaluated by a cardiologist after ending the program.Findings: The participant reported self-limited chills 27 times over 10 sessions (19 “light”, 3 “moderate”, 5 “sharp”). Chills coincided with BP increases 59% of the time and their magnitudes moderately correlated (r = 0.32). The ECG was determined to be normal and the pacemaker fully functional at the end of the study, while blood glucose decreased (111–105 mg/dl), HbA1c levels increased (5.5–5.9%), and resting BP decreased (118/84–108/66 mmHg).Conclusion/Clinical Relevance: A person with cervical SCI, symptomatic AD, and a non-dependent pacemaker can safely participate and benefit from the interval-FES cycling program provided adequate monitoring of symptoms and vital signs.