Relationship between neurogenic bowel dysfunction severity and functional status, depression, and quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injury

This study investigated the link between the severity of neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) and various factors like functional status, depression, and quality of life in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). The goal was to identify factors that might lead to moderate to severe NBD. The study found that individuals with moderate to severe NBD experienced greater dependency in daily activities and had lower scores on physical functioning compared to those with very minor NBD. Completeness of the spinal cord injury was identified as a significant factor in the development of moderate to severe NBD. These findings suggest that managing NBD, particularly in individuals with complete SCI, could improve their ability to perform daily tasks, participate in social activities, and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Further research is needed to explore how improving functional status can reduce NBD-related issues.

• 1
  Half of the individuals with SCI in the study had moderate-to-severe NBD.
• 2
  Individuals with moderate and severe NBD had lower motor FIM and SF-36 physical functioning scale scores than individuals with very minor NBD.
• 3
  Individuals with complete SCI (AIS A) were more likely to develop moderate-to-severe NBD compared to those with incomplete injuries (AIS C and AIS D).