Haemoglobin and albumin as predictors of length of stay of spinal injured patients in a rehabilitation centre.

The aim of this work was to identify factors related to the length of stay of patients admitted to this centre for rehabilitation. The study involved 200 patients admitted within one year of onset of a spinal cord lesion. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded. Length of stay was related to the level of the spinal cord lesion and whether it was complete or incomplete. The length of stay was increased in patients in whom anaemia or hypoalbuminaemia occurred; the cause of these conditions was not always evident. We conclude that attention directed towards recognising and treating the cause of anaemia or hypoalbuminaemia may be expected to shorten the time required for rehabilitation in this centre.