Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of the newly injured and prevalent
population with spinal cord injury (SCI) and assess trends over time. DESIGN:
Prospective cohort study. SETTING: SCI Model Systems and Shriners Hospital SCI
units. PARTICIPANTS: The study population included people whose injuries occurred
from 1935 to 2008 (N=45,442). The prevalent population was estimated based on
those who were still alive in 2008. Losses to follow-up (approximately 10%) were
excluded from the prevalent population. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN
OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic and injury characteristics, mortality,
self-reported health, rehospitalization, FIM, Craig Handicap Assessment and
Reporting Technique, and the Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale. RESULTS: Mean
age at injury increased 9 years since the 1970s. Injuries caused by falls and
injuries resulting in high-level tetraplegia and ventilator dependency are
increasing, while neurologically complete injuries are decreasing. Discharge to a
nursing home is increasing. The mean age of the prevalent population is slightly
higher than that of newly injured individuals, and the percentage of incident and
prevalent cases older than 60 years is the same (13%). Prevalent cases tend to be
less severely injured than incident cases, and less than 5% of prevalent cases
reside in nursing homes. Within the prevalent population, life satisfaction and
community participation are greater among persons who are at least 30 years
postinjury. These findings are a result of very high mortality rates observed
after 60 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Within the prevalent population, the
percentage of elderly persons will not increase meaningfully. Those who reach
older ages will typically have incomplete and/or lower-level injuries and will
have relatively high degrees of independence and overall good health.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS