Article

The aim of the study was to compare functional outcomes of acute
inpatient rehabilitation for spinal epidural abscess patients with and without
history of intravenous substance abuse. DESIGN: This is a retrospective case
series study in freestanding rehabilitation hospital. METHODS: Charts of 28
spinal epidural abscess patients admitted from January 2012 to September 2015: 13
with intravenous substance abuse and 15 without intravenous substance abuse were
reviewed. Both groups received standard-of-care rehabilitation. Statistical
analyses of Functional Independence Measure scores were conducted using
individual 2 (substance use) x 2 (rehabilitation status) repeated measures
analysis of variance. Functional outcomes were defined by total Functional
Independence Measure scores as well as motor and cognitive subsets. Length of
stay and morphine equivalents were also compared. RESULTS: There were no
significant differences between the two groups. There was a significant main
effect of treatment on total Functional Independence Measure scores (P < 0.001),
Functional Independence Measure motor scores (P < 0.001), and Functional
Independence Measure cognitive scores (P < 0.01) from admission to discharge.
Subsequent Student's t tests revealed that the scores of both groups
significantly improved on all Functional Independence Measure components. There
were no group differences on length of stay and morphine equivalents at
discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Acute inpatient rehabilitation can effectively improve
functional outcomes in spinal epidural abscess patients with or without
intravenous substance abuse, even though these two patient groups can vary in
clinical factors.

Langue : ANGLAIS