Article

Open comparative study. Objective: To compare the impact of volume-dependent intermittent catheterization (VDIC) and time-dependent intermittent catheterization (TDIC) on financial burden and clinical outcomes in patients with spinal cord lesions (SCL). Setting: Department of Spinal Rehabilitation, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Hospital, Israel. Method: Economic and clinical outcomes were examined in 13 SCL patients treated with VDIC following bladder volume measurement by a portable ultrasound device ( the study group), and in 11 patients treated with TDIC ( the control group). Patients were followed for 12 - 30 days. Costs were calculated according to December 2003 prices at Loewenstein Hospital. The t-test and the Fisher's Exact Test were employed for comparisons between the groups. Results: The number of catheterizations per patient per day, the time required to perform volume measurements and catheterizations, and their total cost, were approximately 44, 49, and 46% lower in the study group than in the control group. SCIMU ( representing bladder management functioning) increased during the study in both groups, and the increase was 31% higher in the study group than in the control group. Urinary infection was found in three patients in the control group and in none in the study group. Conclusion: VDIC has economic and probably also clinical advantages over TDIC.

Langue : ANGLAIS