Epidemiology of Spinal Cord Injury in Adults in Sweden, 2016-2020: A Retrospective Registry-Based Study.

Neuroepidemiology

Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Published: August 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients in Sweden using data from a national rehabilitation quality registry.
  • The study found that the average age of onset for SCI was 56 years, with a predominantly male population (66%), and that traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) were more common than non-traumatic injuries (NTSCI), particularly for tetraplegia.
  • Key findings revealed 8% of patients required breathing aids at discharge, with 58% experiencing bowel and bladder dysfunction; the median hospital stay was 40 days, longer for those with TSCI, and the incidence rates were lower than in prior studies.

Article Abstract

Study Design: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive register study.

Objective: The aim of the study was to present the epidemiological and demographic characteristics of the Swedish spinal cord injury (SCI) population.

Setting: Rehabilitation units in Sweden were connected to the National Quality Register for Rehabilitation Medicine (Svenskt Register för Rehabiliteringsmedicin: SveReh). The registry includes data from 26 units around the country.

Methods: Information was extracted from SveReh for patients who underwent rehabilitation for a new onset SCI between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2020. Data regarding gender, age, aetiology, level of injury, neurogenic bowel and/or bladder dysfunction, complications during the primary rehabilitation, and the need for bi-level positive airway pressure, continuous positive airway pressure, or ventilator were analysed.

Results: Mean age at onset was 56 years, and men were overrepresented (66%). Tetraplegia was more common among traumatic SCI (TSCI) than non-traumatic SCI (NTSCI). The incidence was 11.9-14.8 per million for TSCI and 8.9-11.8 per million for NTSCI. At discharge, 8% of patients needed a breathing aid. Of those who were ventilator-dependent at discharge, 75% had a TSCI. Disturbed bowel and bladder functioning was noted in 58% of patients at discharge. The median time spent at the unit was 40 days, but it was approximately 2 weeks longer for those with a TSCI.

Conclusions: Systematic and updated data on the Swedish SCI population show a pattern similar to Scandinavian countries with high age at onset and falls being the main cause of TSCI. The TSCI incidence was lower than in previous studies, and the results for NTSCI were novel.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000540818DOI Listing

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