Baseline predictors of in‑hospital mortality after acute traumatic spinal cord injury: data from a level I trauma center

This study looked at factors that predict whether someone with a traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) would die while in the hospital. They found that having pre-existing kidney or liver disease increased the risk of death. The study also considered end-of-life decisions, which were made in a large percentage of the deaths. The researchers emphasize the importance of carefully considering medication choices for tSCI patients, especially those with kidney or liver problems. The increasing number of elderly patients with tSCI often have other health issues that contribute to higher mortality rates. These findings can help doctors identify high-risk patients early and improve their care.

• 1
  Pre-existing kidney disease, liver disease, and metastatic tumor were identified as the most relevant predictors associated with in-hospital mortality after tSCI.
• 2
  Age was also a predictor; patients over 78 years old had a higher risk of in-hospital mortality.
• 3
  End-of-life decisions were made in 70% of the in-hospital deaths, highlighting the importance of considering these decisions in mortality studies.