Article

Objective: To assess the occurrence of secondary health conditions and their
potential risk factors in persons with spinal cord injury from 1 to 5 years after
discharge from initial inpatient rehabilitation. Design: Multicentre longitudinal
study. Subjects: A total of 139 wheelchair-dependent persons with spinal cord
injury. Methods: The occurrence of secondary health conditions and their
potential risk factors were assessed in a clinical interview with a
rehabilitation physician at 1 and 5 years after discharge from inpatient
rehabilitation and by a telephone interview 2 years after discharge. Self-report
questionnaires were used for the assessment of musculoskeletal and neuropathic
pain. Results: Neuropathic pain (83.7-92.1%), musculoskeletal pain (62.3-87.1%)
and urinary tract infection (56.5-58.9%) were the most frequently reported
secondary health conditions. The occurrence of several secondary health
conditions was higher among women and individuals with a complete lesion,
tetraplegia, and with a higher body mass index. Conclusion: Secondary health
conditions are common in the first years post-discharge following spinal cord
injury, and their course seems to be relatively stable. These results emphasize
the number of health issues that must be considered during post-injury care of
persons with spinal cord injury living in the community, and the importance of a
well-coordinated interdisciplinary approach from specialized rehabilitation
centres.

Langue : ANGLAIS