Risk factors associated with lethality on patients with central cord syndrome

Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc, 2023 · DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.8319828 · Published: September 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

Central Cord Syndrome (CCS) is an incomplete spinal cord injury that affects motor function more in the upper extremities than the lower extremities. It can also cause sensory changes and bladder dysfunction. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with death or the need for mechanical ventilation in patients with CCS. The study found that the need for mechanical ventilation was a significant risk factor for mortality in CCS patients. Other factors, such as age over 60, hypertension, diabetes, and spinal stenosis, showed a tendency towards increased mortality but were not statistically significant.

Study Duration

2015 to 2021

Participants

101 patients with Central Cord Syndrome

Evidence Level

Retrospective cohort

Key Findings

1
The study found a high mortality rate of 13.9% in patients with CCS, which is higher than previously reported in international studies.
2
Mechanical ventilation was identified as a significant risk factor for mortality in patients with CCS.
3
Several factors showed a tendency towards increased mortality, including age over 60, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, spinal stenosis, prolonged hospital stay (over 20 days), and delayed surgical intervention (more than 10 days after the accident).

Research Summary

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 101 patients with Central Cord Syndrome (CCS) treated between 2015 and 2021 to identify risk factors associated with mortality and mechanical ventilation (VM). The study found that the mortality rate in this population was 13.9%, which is higher compared to previous international studies. The use of mechanical ventilation was identified as a significant risk factor for mortality. Other factors such as age over 60, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, severe medullary canal stenosis, prolonged hospital stay, and delayed surgical intervention showed tendencies toward increased mortality but did not reach statistical significance.

Practical Implications

Early Intervention

Prompt diagnosis and management of CCS are crucial to improve patient outcomes.

Risk Factor Management

Addressing modifiable risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes may help reduce mortality in CCS patients.

Ventilatory Support

Careful consideration of ventilatory support is essential, given its association with increased mortality.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size may limit the statistical power to detect significant associations.
2
Retrospective design may introduce bias.
3
Single-center study may limit the generalizability of the findings.

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