Professional paper

Complications in rehabilitation of elderly spinal cord injury patients

Renata ČOP ; Spinal Unit Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation, Varaždinske Toplice, Croatia
Saša MOSLAVAC ; Spinal Unit Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation, Varaždinske Toplice, Croatia
Ivan DŽIDIĆ ; Croatian Institute for Health Insurance, Zagreb

Abstract

Aim: to describe incidence of complications in elderly spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. Patients and methods: during y. 2000 32 (13 female and 19 male) patients with SCI aged 65 - 76 years were rehabilitated. Neurological assessment was made according to ASIA (American Spinal Injuries Association) standards. Basic laboratory findings, respiratory status and urine cultures accompanied by urinary ultrasound was performed. Range and type of complications were noted. Results:
neurological examination revealed 20 (63%) ASIA A patients, while 12 (42%) were ASIA B grade. Urinary tract infections and chronic, neuropathic pain were observed in 20 (63%) patients, respiratory tract infections in 13 (41%) patients, deep vein thrombosis in 11 (34%) patients. Pressure sores were complications of early postoperative treatment in 9 (28%) patients, bladder stones in 7 (22%) patients and in one case fatal massive pulmonary embolism occurred. Conclusion:
urinary tract infections and neuropathic pain are most frequent complications in rehabilitation of elderly patients with spinal cord injury, followed by pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis and pressure ulcers.

Keywords

spinal cord injury; elderly; complications; rehabilitation

Hrčak ID:

129254

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/129254

Publication date:

28.7.2006.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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