The pattern of colorectal dysfunction changes with time since spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional studies suggest that colorectal dysfunction after spinal cord injuries (SCI) worsens as time goes by. However, follow-up studies are needed to prove this. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. OBJECTIVE: To describe long-term colorectal function in SCI patients. SETTING: Members of the Danish Spinal Cord Injuries Association. METHODS: In 1996, 424 members of the Danish Paraplegic Association answered a detailed questionnaire describing their colorectal function. In 2006, those who continued as members (n=284) received an identical questionnaire. Data for patients responding both in 1996 and in 2006 (n=159) were compared. RESULTS: In 1996, 25% of the respondents reported that colorectal dysfunction had some or a major impact on their quality of life. At follow-up 10 years later, it was 38% (P<0.005). In 1996 11% defecated less than every second day and 16% spent more than 30 min at each defecation; in 2006, it was 19% (P<0.01) and 25% (P<0.00001), respectively. Digital anorectal stimulation or evacuation was performed at least once every week by 48% in 1996 and by 56% in 2006 (P<0.0001). Fecal incontinence was reported at least once a month by 22% in 1996 and by 17% in 2006 (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: While the frequency and severity of constipation-related symptoms increase with time since SCI, there is a decrease in the frequency of fecal incontinence.     

Pain and dysesthesia in patients with spinal cord injury: A postal survey.

STUDY DESIGN: A postal survey. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of pain and dysesthesia in a community based sample of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) with special focus on neuropathic pain. SETTING: Community. Western half of Denmark. METHODS: We mailed a questionnaire to all outpatients (n = 436) of the Viborg rehabilitation centre for spinal cord injury. The questionnaire contained questions regarding cause and level of spinal injury and amount of sensory and motor function below this level. The words pain and unpleasant sensations were used to describe pain (P) and dysesthesia (D) respectively. Questions included location and intensity of chronic pain or dysesthesia, degree of interference with daily activity and sleep, presence of paroxysms and evoked pain or dysesthesia, temporal aspects, alleviating and aggravating factors, McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and treatment. RESULTS: Seventy-six per cent of the patients returned the questionnaire, (230 males and 100 females). The ages ranged from 19 to 80 years (median 42.6 years) and time since spinal injury ranged from 0.5 to 39 years (median 9.3 years). The majority (> 75%) of patients had traumatic spinal cord injury. Of the respondents, 77% reported having pain or unpleasant sensations, and 67% had chronic pain or unpleasant sensations at or below lesion. Forty-eight per cent reported that P/D could be evoked by non-noxious stimulation of the skin indicating that allodynia is present in almost half of the patients. Forty-three per cent of respondents took analgesics, 7% received antidepressants or anticonvulsants. CONCLUSION: This survey suggests that pain and dysesthesia are common and serious complaints in SCI patients. Unexpectedly, only 7% of the patients were treated with drugs considered to be most effective in neuropathic pain. This emphasizes the need for a continued research and education on P/D in SCI.     

Chronic pain after spinal cord injury: a survey of practice in UK spinal injury units

OBJECTIVE: To determine current practice regarding assessment and management of patients with chronic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) in the UK. METHODS: A postal questionnaire sent to the medical directors of the 12 spinal injury units in the UK. RESULTS: A response was received from nine of the 12 units. Chronic pain was felt to be a significant problem amongst patients with SCI, with inconsistent opinion between respondents regarding prevalence, aetiology and classification of chronic pain after spinal cord injury. Only one unit had established protocols for the investigation and management of pain, and most units felt that guidelines would be useful. Most felt that there was a need for further information on the subject. CONCLUSION: Our survey has demonstrated the uncertainty that exists amongst specialists dealing with pain after SCI, and emphasised the need for more research into the problem.     

Megacolon in patients with chronic spinal cord injury

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical and functional correlates of megacolon in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 128 patients consecutively admitted to a SCI in-patient service in a US Veterans Administration Medical Centre (mean age 57+/-15 years, mean years since injury 20+/-13, 97% male) who underwent plain abdominal radiography for study purposes. Participants were characterised by radiological findings. 'Megacolon' was defined as colonic dilatation of >6 cms in one or more colonic segment(s). Clinical, functional, and medication data were abstracted from the medical and nursing records. Individual interviews were conducted with study participants regarding bowel-related symptoms and treatment over the previous 1-month period. RESULTS: Seventy-three per cent of subjects (n=94) had megacolon, and 52% of these individuals had associated radiological constipation. Subjects with megacolon were compared with those without colonic dilatation (n=34). Factors significantly associated with megacolon were older age, longer duration of injury, symptom of abdominal distension, radiological constipation, urinary outlet surgery, laxative use at least once weekly, use of anticholinergic drugs, and use of calcium-containing antacids. These factors were simultaneously included in a multiple logistic regression model. Independent correlates of megacolon were more than 10 years elapsed since acute injury, age over 50 years, and use of >/=4 laxative doses per month. CONCLUSION: Megacolon is a highly prevalent disorder in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury. Our findings suggest that the presence of megacolon may be predicted in older individuals, and in those who are more than 10 years post-SCI. We also found that clinical constipation was frequently present in individuals with megacolon, despite their significantly greater use of laxatives. SPONSORSHIP: This work was supported by a grant from the Claude D Pepper Geriatric Research and Training Center from the National Institute of Ageing-AG08812-05, and a grant from the Education and Training Foundation of the Paralyzed Veterans Association in the USA. Dr Harari is currently recipient of a grant from Action Research (UK). Spinal Cord (2000) 38, 331 - 339.     

颈椎前纵韧带损伤的诊断与治疗

目的 探讨颈椎前纵韧带损伤的诊断与治疗.方法 2001年3月至2003年7月经影像学证实为前纵韧带损伤的患者46例.患者均在伤后3 h～3 d内摄颈椎正、侧位X线片并行MRI检查.颈椎椎前阴影增宽35例,椎体不稳征象14例.颈椎MRI T<,1>加权像表现为前纵韧带呈灰色或灰白色信号,部分可见连续性中断、增厚;T<,2>加权像表现为椎体前缘增厚的片状纵行不均匀高信号,边界不清晰,部分可见高信号掀起、连续性中断.19例合并脊髓损伤的患者行早期手术治疗.27例单纯颈部疼痛患者中,早期前路手术治疗6例,颈围石膏固定5例,颈托固定16例. 结果 45例患者获6～41个月(平均16.7个月)随访.5例脊髓完全性损伤患者术后有2例转为不完全性损伤,14例脊髓不完全损伤患者术后有10例获得不同程度的好转.21例单纯颈部疼痛患者中,早期手术的6例无神经症状患者随访时未发生颈椎后凸畸形及颈部慢性疼痛症状;21例早期保守治疗的患者中,7例伤后4～6周因存在颈椎不稳征象而行颈椎前路手术,2例伤后2～3年因损伤节段椎间盘退变突出压迫脊髓而行前路减压植骨内固定术,3例有慢性颈部疼痛不适,余8例患者无特殊不适主诉,另1例失访.结论 MRI检查是诊断颈椎前纵韧带损伤最有价值的方法.合并脊髓受压征象或椎间严重不稳的颈椎前纵韧带损伤,可早期行减压融合术;不伴脊髓损伤的颈椎前纵韧带合并椎间盘损伤,可考虑早期行前路椎间盘切除融合术.     

Chronic pain after SCI. A patient survey

STUDY DESIGN: A survey of chronic pain experience after spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence, severity and impact of chronic pain amongst spinal cord injury (SCI) patients in our region, and assess the need for additional resources to address the problem. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to 216 spinal cord injury patients (10% of the Yorkshire regional spinal injury database). Setting: Yorkshire region, UK. RESULTS: A response was received from 67% of the patients. Seventy-nine per cent of patients said they presently suffered with pain, with 39% describing it as severe. Comparison of pain and non-pain groups using chi-squared analysis showed that complete injury was significantly more likely than incomplete injury to result in chronic pain (P<0.05), and increased severity of pain (P<0.05). 43% of patients with pain said they required further treatment for it. Chronic pain had a significant impact on daily activities and was a major factor in causing unemployment (18%) and depression (39%). CONCLUSION: The study confirms that pain is a major problem in SCI patients which is not currently being adequately addressed. A multidisciplinary approach to management and prospective studies of treatments are required in order to reduce the prevalence and severity of pain in these patients. Spinal Cord (2000) 38, 611 - 614.     

Bladder tissue biopsies in spinal cord injured patients: Histopathologic aspects of 61 cases

It was the aim of this histopathologic study to examine and compare results of bladder tissue biopsies in spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. The study group consisted of 61 SCI patients who received treatment at the Swiss Paraplegic Centre in Nottwil, near Lucerne, Switzerland. The mean age of the study group was 41 years (range, 17–73) and the mean duration of spinal cord lesion was 10 years and 4 months (range, 5 months to 44 years). The male:female ratio was 57:4. Bladder infections had occurred in each patient one to six times per year (median, 3.2). All samples were taken from the trigone of the bladder during endoscopic urologic procedures with a flexible cystoscope. Histopathologic analysis showed abnormal alterations of bladder tissue in 56 SCI patients (91.8%). Forty-six SCI patients (75.4%) had a chronic type and 10 SCI patients (16.4%) a subacute type of inflammation. Normal bladder tissue was found in five cases (8.2%). Further observation revealed the presence of fibrosis (34.4%), edema (9.8%), and lymphoid hyperplasia (6.6%). A t-test for independent samples showed a lack of significant correlation between the number of clinical bladder infections per year, the duration of injury, the neurologic level of the spinal cord lesion, and histopathologic types of infections. Neurourol. Urodynam. 17:525–530, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Chronic pain after spinal cord injury: a survey of practice in spinal injury units in the USA

OBJECTIVE: To determine the current practice regarding assessment and management of patients with chronic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States of America (USA). METHODS: A postal questionnaire sent to the medical directors of 12 spinal injury units in the USA. RESULTS: A response was received from eight of the 12 units. Chronic pain was considered a significant problem amongst patients with SCI. There was inconsistency of opinion regarding prevalence estimates, investigation and management of chronic pain after SCI; but classification systems for pain were remarkably similar amongst units. Most felt that there was a need for further information, although only one unit said it was presently conducting research into the subject. CONCLUSION: Our survey has demonstrated the uncertainty that exists amongst USA specialists dealing with pain after SCI, and strengthens the case for more research into the subject with a view to developing guidelines for care.     

Late complications of the weight-bearing upper extremity in the paraplegic patient

Paraplegic patients rely almost exclusively on their upper extremities for weight-bearing activities such as transfers and wheelchair propulsion. Eighty-four paraplegic patients whose injury level was T2 or below and who were at least one year from spinal cord injury were screened for upper extremity complaints. Fifty-seven (67.8%) had complaints of pain in one or more areas of their upper extremities. The most common complaints were shoulder pain and/or pain relating to carpal tunnel syndrome. Twenty-five (30%) complained of shoulder pain during transfer activities. Symptoms were found to increase with time from injury. As the long-term survival of spinal cord injured patients continues to improve, an increased awareness of the complications of the weight-bearing upper extremity is necessary to keep these patients functioning in society.     

Characteristics of persons with spinal cord injury as documented by use of an interactive data system

RATIONALE: Physicians need information about their rehabilitation practices that shows the types of patients being seen and the outcomes for their rehabilitation programs. In order to obtain more information on secondary medical complications and prevention programs, and to provide the information to the spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation team, an interactive data management system was developed. RESULTS: Initial findings for the first 99 patients with SCI were presented for staff review. Demographic information indicated that patients typically lived in private residences, had at least a high school education, and had annual incomes < $20,000. There were nearly equal numbers of paraplegic and tetraplegic patients; 63% of patients were more than 50 years of age and 69% were more than 10 years post-injury. Over 80% of the patients reported satisfactory health, were physically active, and had adequate transportation. Paraplegic and tetraplegic patients had similar profiles for secondary complications. CONCLUSIONS: The SCI staff was surprised that greater than 35% of patients with SCI reported current problems with spasticity, pain, and pressure ulcers. The staff was interested in obtaining additional patient-perception information including the severity of each problem, how the problem interfered with daily activity, and the desire for additional care. The staff felt that patients were reporting problems more often to the interviewer than to their physician. There was unanimous support for the ongoing collection of patient-perception information.     

Shoulder pain and functional disability in spinal cord injury patients

Sixty spinal cord injured patients were examined to determine the incidence of nontraumatic shoulder pain and associated functional disability during the first 18 months after spinal cord injury (SCI). Seventy-eight percent of quadriplegics and 35% of paraplegics had pain in the first six months. When reexamined six to 18 months after SCI, 33% of the quadriplegics and 35% of the paraplegics continued to have pain. The functional disability resulting from shoulder pain was not a significant problem for the paraplegics; however, 84% of the quadriplegics having pain had either moderate or severe functional disability during the first six months after SCI, and this impairment persisted in patients with shoulder spasticity at follow-up evaluation between six and 18 months postinjury.     

Cisapride for Constipation in Spinal Cord Injured Patients: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Chronic constipation in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) has significant impact on quality of life. To measure baseline clinical functioning, colonic transit time and anorectal manometry and the effect of cisapride on these clinical and physiological parameters, we studied 12 SCI patients. Patients initially received baseline clinical scoring, measurement of colonic transit time and anorectal manometry. Patients then received cisapride 20 mg orally three times each day. After one and three months of cisapride therapy, all measurements were repeated. The mean duration of cisapride treatment was 5.2 months. Six of 12 (50 percent) reported that symptoms of constipation improved. No patient had worsening of symptoms. Prior to cisapride treatment, 23 percent of patients passed colonic transit markers by day five and 57 percent by day seven; baseline anal manometry revealed variable resting and squeeze pressures. After treatment, 33 percent of patients passed their colonic transit markers by day five and 71 percent by day seven. Six of 12 (50 percent) demonstrated a 10 percent or more increase in resting anal canal pressures. We conclude that about 50 percent of SCI patients have subjective improvement in constipation after cisapride therapy. Cisapride appears to improve both colonic and anorectal function. (J Spinal Cord Med, 8:240–244)     

Gastric phytobezoar associated with impaired gastric motility in a patient with spinal cord injury

Impaired gastrointestinal motility as a result of interruption of sympathetic outflow is a common occurrence in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population. In addition, frequent use of medications with anticholinergic properties in this population results in further impairment of peristalsis resulting in gastrointestinal stasis. Since SCI patients often lack sensation below the level of injury, they may present with vague symptoms, which complicates the diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. We report the first case of gastric phytobezoar in a patient with T4 ASIA A paraplegia who presented with vague upper abdominal discomfort, anorexia, weight loss, and vomiting. Because mortality rates can be as high as 30% if phytobezoars remain untreated, gastrointestinal phytobezoars should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal discomfort in SCI patients. Etiologic factors for phytobezoars are discussed for the general population and in particular, for patients with SCI.     

Cardiovascular responses to vibrostimulation for sperm retrieval in men with spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular abnormalities and arrhythmias are common in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) who are undergoing vibrostimulation for sperm retrieval. The study aimed to examine cardiovascular control in men with SCI undergoing this procedure. METHODS: Individuals with chronic cervical (n=8; age: 33.1 +/- 1.9 years) and upper thoracic SCI (n=5; age: 35.2 +/- 2.9 years) volunteered for vibrostimulation, with continuous blood pressure (Finometer) and electrocardiographic monitoring. Patients were characterized further by sympathetic skin responses (SSR) to assess descending autonomic spinal pathways and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scores to assess motor and sensory pathways. RESULTS: All but one subject with cervical SCI were ASIA A or B and were negative for SSR in the hands and feet. All subjects with upper thoracic SCI were ASIA A or B and were positive for SSR in the hands. Systolic blood pressure was lower in men with cervical injury at rest. Vibrostimulation induced an increase in systolic blood pressure >20 mmHg in all patients with cervical SCI (range = 125/65 - 280/152; median = 167/143 mmHg) and in 2 thoracic subjects (151/104 and 170/121 mmHg). During ejaculation, 6 cervical and 3 thoracic subjects developed arrhythmias (5 with bradycardia, 6 with premature atrial contractions, 4 with ventricular excitation, 1 with junctional rhythm, and 1 with heart block). CONCLUSION: The vibrostimulation procedure induced electrocardiographic abnormalities and autonomic dysreflexia in subjects with either cervical or high thoracic SCI.     

Sleep disturbances in the spinal cord injured: an epidemiological questionnaire investigation, including a normal population

STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiological review. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sleep disturbances in the spinal cord injured. SETTING: The Clinic for Para- and Tetraplegia, Hornbaek/Copenhagen, Copenhagen University hospital, Denmark. METHODS: All patients admitted with traumatic SCI during the 20-year period 1968-1987 were reviewed. The normal population consisted of 339, 222 men and 117 women. These groups were asked to fill in the self-administered Nordic Sleep Questionnaire (NSQ) containing 21 questions. Questions were added regarding employment, smoking, alcohol, coffee or tea consumption, height and weight. The questionnaire for SCI individuals included questions about bladder emptying method, mobility, and spasms. For the SCI population age at injury, cause of injury, neurological level, and functional class were retrieved. RESULTS: Four hundred and eight SCI individuals, 331 men and 77 women, answered the NSQ corresponding to a response rate of 83.8%. Forty-seven per cent had a cervical cord lesion and about half of the population had a complete motor lesion. In comparison with the normal population the SCI individuals had greater difficulty in falling asleep, described more frequent awakenings, slept subjectively less well, were more often prescribed sleeping pills, slept more hours, took more and longer naps, and snored more and for more years. In particular, spasms, pain, paraesthesia, and troubles with voiding were claimed to be part of the sleep problems. CONCLUSION: In spite of the same average age and a higher body mass index in the normal than the SCI population, the SCI individuals showed significantly more sleep problems than the normal population.     

Successful reduction of neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury via of a combination of intrathecal hydromorphone and ziconotide: a case report

STUDY DESIGN: Case report. OBJECTIVES: To report a novel management strategy for neuropathic pain management after spinal cord injury. SETTING: Outpatient spinal cord injury (SCI) clinic. METHODS: The patient demonstrated two neuropathic pain syndromes, namely at- and below-level pain. These syndromes were recalcitrant to conservative measures and a decision was made to proceed with intrathecal therapies. RESULTS: The patient's at-level pain was responsive to intrathecal hydromorphone but the below-level pain was unaffected by this intervention. Intrathecal ziconotide provided an opposite response with a positive effect observed on the below-level pain and minimal effect on the at-level pain. The combination of intrathecal ziconotide and hydromorphone provided effective relief for both components of the patient's SCI associated neuropathic pain. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of intrathecal ziconotide and hydromorphone has the potential to provide significant pain relief for patients with neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury.     

脊髓损伤与男性不育(英文)

脊髓损伤 (SCI)通常会对育龄男性造成一定的影响。脊髓受损后的男性大多会在以下方面发生问题 :如勃起和射精功能障碍 ,精子发生受损 ,精子存活力、活率及形态异常 ,泌尿生殖系统感染以及内分泌异常。本文将从病理生理、评价和治疗等方面对脊髓损伤引起的男性不育症进行论述。脊髓损伤可对精浆产生影响并加速精液氧化 ,从而使得SCI男性的精液质量下降。本文还将对用于SCI男性的精子复苏技术和辅助生育技术所取得的进展进行讨论。     

Ultrasonographic findings in shoulders of able-bodied, paraplegic and tetraplegic subjects

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between spinal cord injury (SCI) and ultrasonographic findings in shoulders. SETTING: Randomly selected patients of K?pyl? Rehabilitation Centre and able-bodied citizens of Helsinki, Finland. METHODS: Ultrasonography of the shoulder was performed on able-bodied, tetraplegic and paraplegic subjects. Subjects with SCI were selected from patients of K?pyl? Rehabilitation Centre, who were injured more than 3 months before the examination. RESULTS: Findings of the glenohumeral joint differed most clearly between the groups. Significant association between SCI level and oedema of the glenohumeral joint was noted in multiple regression analysis, where other background factors were also considered. CONCLUSION: Paraplegic and tetraplegic subjects are prone to glenohumeral changes that can be verified with ultrasonography.     

Use of capsaicin in the treatment of radicular pain in spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND: Pain following spinal cord injury (SCI) is a common problem and can interfere with functional recovery. Radicular pain (pain at the level of injury) is one type of SCI pain. Traditional analgesic agents are sometimes ineffective and can have significant systemic side effects. METHODS: A retrospective review of 8 patients with radicular pain secondary to SCI who responded to topical capsaicin therapy. FINDINGS: Improvement was noted in 1-2 weeks, including 1 patient with a 12-year history of intractable pain. Long-term efficacy was seen in 2 patients treated for >2 years. CONCLUSION: Based on these favorable results and minimal side effects, topical capsaicin should be considered in the treatment of localized radicular pain secondary to SCI.