Incidence and risk factors of pneumonia following acute traumatic cervical spinal cord Injury

This study investigated the occurrence and causes of pneumonia in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries. The research aimed to understand how often pneumonia occurs and what factors increase the risk after such injuries. The study found that a significant portion of pneumonias following cervical spinal cord injury were related to aspiration (inhaling food or liquid into the lungs). This suggests swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) play a critical role. The findings suggest that early assessment and treatment of swallowing problems in patients with cervical spinal cord injuries could help prevent pneumonia.

• 1
  The incidence of pneumonia following traumatic cervical spinal cord injury was 18%, with 87% of these cases being aspiration-related.
• 2
  Severe dysphagia and severe paralysis were identified as significant risk factors for pneumonia after cervical spinal cord injury.
• 3
  Most patients developed pneumonia within 1 month after injury, highlighting the importance of early intervention.