A Quesnel1, B Veber2, F Proust3, E Agasse4, F Beuret Blanquart1, E Verin5. 1. CRMPR « Les Herbiers », 111, rue Herbeuse, 76230 Bois Guillaume, France. 2. Service de réanimation chirurgicale, CHU de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen cedex, France. 3. Service de neurochirurgie, CHU de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen cedex, France. 4. Centre Jacques-Calvé, 72, Esplanade Parmentier, 62608 Berck-sur-Mer cedex, France. 5. CRMPR « Les Herbiers », 111, rue Herbeuse, 76230 Bois Guillaume, France; Pôle 3R, CHU de Rouen, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen cedex, France; EA 3830, Groupe de recherche sur le handicap ventilatoire (GRHV), université de Rouen, Rouen, France. Electronic address: eric.verin@chu-rouen.fr.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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.
OBJECTIVE: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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.