Epidemiological proﬁle of spinal cord injuries at a tertiary rehabilitation center in Kuwait

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2018 · DOI: 10.1038/s41394-017-0036-5 · Published: January 1, 2018

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Public Health

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition resulting in permanent disability, impacting quality of life and causing financial strain on families and the healthcare system. Epidemiological data on traumatic (TSCI) and non-traumatic SCI (NTSCI) are crucial for prevention strategies and healthcare policies. This study provides epidemiological data of traumatic and non-traumatic SCI in Kuwait, contributing to the global knowledge base on SCI epidemiology. The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital (PM&R) in Kuwait provides inpatient rehabilitation services for the entire country. The study reviewed medical records of SCI patients admitted to PM&R Hospital between 2010 and 2015, collecting data on demographics, etiology, neurological level, and severity of injury based on the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale (AIS).

Study Duration

2010-2015

Participants

241 adult patients with SCI

Evidence Level

Level 3: Retrospective, descriptive study

Key Findings

1
Road traffic accidents (RTA) were identified as the main cause of traumatic SCI (TSCI) in Kuwait, accounting for 52.9% of cases.
2
Acute disc prolapse (29.1%) and degenerative disc disease (26.7%) were the leading causes of non-traumatic SCI (NTSCI).
3
Paraplegia (41.3%) was more common in TSCI cases, with the thoracic level being the most frequent injury site (61%). Cauda equina syndrome was the most common presentation in NTSCI (40.7%).

Research Summary

This retrospective study analyzed data from 241 SCI patients admitted to a rehabilitation hospital in Kuwait between 2010 and 2015. It aimed to describe the epidemiological profile of SCI in Kuwait, distinguishing between traumatic (TSCI) and non-traumatic (NTSCI) causes. The study found that traumatic SCI was more common than non-traumatic SCI, with road traffic accidents being the leading cause of TSCI, and acute disc prolapse and degenerative disc disease being the leading causes of NTSCI. The male to female ratio was higher in TSCI than NTSCI. The authors conclude that prevention strategies should target road traffic accidents and disc-related issues to reduce the incidence of SCI in Kuwait. They also suggest establishing a national SCI registry to improve services for SCI rehabilitation.

Practical Implications

Targeted Prevention Programs

Implement road safety campaigns and enforce traffic laws to reduce RTAs, a leading cause of TSCI.

Early Intervention for Disc Disease

Promote early diagnosis and management of acute disc prolapse and degenerative disc disease to prevent NTSCI.

National SCI Registry

Establish a national registry to collect comprehensive data on SCI cases, aiding in the development of targeted interventions and improved rehabilitation services.

Study Limitations

1
Single-center study
2
Retrospective design
3
Exclusion of patients with minor neurological deficits managed outside the rehabilitation center

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