Article

Tetraplegic patients are often difficult to manage in intensive care
units (ICU). The aim of our study was to calculate the incidence of patients in
ICU with cervical spinal cord injury with special focus on tetraplegic patients
on ventilation support and their future perspectives.
This retrospective study included patients with cervical spinal cord injury in Upper
Normandy, between 2002 and 2012. Data analyzed included age, sex, past medical
history, date of onset of quadriplegia, level of neurological involvement, AIS
grade, and ventilatory status. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were
included (49.0 +/- 21.1 years). The most common etiology was fall (50 patients
[46.3%]). Incidence was calculated at 12.7 per one million inhabitants.
Tracheotomy was performed in 40.7% of patients. Long-term mechanical ventilation
was required for 6.5%. At the end of the study, 9 patients (9.6%) were
permanently hospitalized, 61 patients (64.9%) had returned home but none of the
four ventilated patients had been discharged. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this
work is that the future of highly tetraplegic patients is compromised, especially
for those who remain reliant on mechanical ventilation.
CI - Copyright (c) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS