Urological care of the spinal cord-injured patient

Beyond the surface: understanding psychiatric disorders in individuals with spinal cord injury- a narrative exploration

PURPOSE

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) presents a life-threatening condition that compromises the spinal cord's integrity. Among the complications affecting SCI patients are psychiatric disorders, whose causal mechanisms remain elusive. These disorders are often attributed to multifactorial aspects, encompassing physiological, neurobiological, psychological, and social factors. In the context of SCI patients, we are interested in identifying the specific factors that contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders in this population, emphasizing the critical need for prevention strategies and comprehensive therapeutic management, ultimately aiming to improve the affected patients' quality of life.

METHODS

The process of searching and selecting information was performed between August and December of 2023, utilizing PubMed, ResearchGate, and NCBI as the requisite databases for this review. To ensure precise information retrieval, keywords were strategically employed, focusing on publications spanning from 1985 to the present. MeSH terms, including spinal cord injury, acute spinal cord injury, psychiatric disorders, neuropsychiatry, cognitive impairment, and chronic pain, were applied. A total of 127 articles were identified through electronic searches, and 55 of these were chosen for inclusion in this review. The consulted studies encompassed various types, such as meta-analyses, systematic reviews, animal model experiments, and others.

RESULTS

Various factors contributing to the onset of psychiatric disorders in patients with SCI were proposed, all grounded in evidence: neurobiological pathology; cognitive impairment; the impact of systemic diseases on psychological well-being; and, lastly, the correlation between chronic pain and diminished daily functionality, experiences widely encountered by SCI patients.

CONCLUSION

The diagnosis of psychiatric disorders remains largely clinical and syndromic, with unclear causal mechanisms. Understanding psychiatric symptoms in SCI patients requires further investigation. Key contributing factors include neurobiological pathology linked to SCI, cognitive impairment, systemic and organ-specific diseases, and chronic pain associated with reduced functionality. We emphasize the importance of therapeutic and rehabilitative measures that address both physical and psychological health to improve overall quality of life.

The burden of illness in initiating intermittent catheterization: an analysis of German health care claims data

BACKGROUND

Intermittent catheterization (IC) is a common medical technique to drain urine from the bladder when this is no longer possible by natural means. The objective of this study was to evaluate the standard of care and the burden of illness in German individuals who perform intermittent catheterization and obtain recommendations for improvement of care.

METHODS

A descriptive study with a retrospective, longitudinal cohort design was conducted using the InGef research database from the German statutory health insurance claims data system. The study consisted of individuals with initial IC use in 2013-2015.

RESULTS

Within 3 years 1100 individuals with initial IC were identified in the database (~ 19,000 in the German population). The most common IC indications were urologic diseases, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis and Spina Bifida. Urinary tract infections (UTI) were the most frequent complication occurring 1 year before index (61%) and in follow-up (year 1 60%; year 2 50%). Resource use in pre-index including hospitalizations (65%), length of stay (12.8 ± 20.0 days), physician visits (general practitioner: 15.2 ± 29.1), prescriptions of antibiotics (71%) and healthcare costs (€17,950) were high. Comorbidities, complications, and healthcare resource use were highest 1 year before index, decreasing from first to second year after index.

CONCLUSIONS

The data demonstrated that prior to initial catheterization, IC users experienced UTIs and high healthcare utilization. While this demonstrates a potential high burden of illness prior to initial IC, UTIs also decreased over time, suggesting that IC use may have a positive influence. The findings also showed that after the first year of initial catheterization the cost decreased. Further studies are needed to better understand the extent of the burden for IC users compared to non-IC users.

Assessment of quality of life in relation to spasticity severity and socio-demographic and clinical factors among patients with spinal cord injury

Objective: To assess the impact of spasticity severity as well as socio-demographic and clinical factors on quality of life (QOL) and to identify factors predicting poor QOL among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI)Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.Setting: Tertiary care clinic in Istanbul, Turkey.Participants: A total of 110 patients with SCI (mean (SD) age: 43.8 (14.7) years, 58.2% were males) were enrolled.Assessments: The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Turkish version of the World Health Organization Quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) were utilized to determine the SCI category, severity of spasticity and QOL scores, respectively.Outcome measures: The WHOQOL-BREF scores were evaluated with respect to the severity of spasticity, aetiology and duration of SCI, AIS category and method of bladder management.Results: The mean (SD) physical health (41.9 (15.3) vs. 46.5 (10.9), P = 0.029), social relationships (45.6 (20.2) vs. 53.8 (17.3), P = 0.025) and total WHOQOL-BREF scores were significantly lower in patients with more severe spasticity. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that severity of spasticity was a significant predictor of decreased WHOQOL-BREF total scores, physical domain scores and social relations domain scores by 11.381 (P = 0.007), 11.518 (P = 0.005) and 17. 965 (P = 0.004), respectively.Conclusion: In conclusion, addressing QOL in relation to severity of spasticity for the first time among Turkish SCI patients, our findings revealed a negative impact of the spasticity severity on the WHOQOL-BREF scores, particularly for physical health and social relationship domains.

Bladder-related quality of life in people with neurological disorders: reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the King's Health Questionnaire in people with spinal cord injury

OBJECTIVE

To assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to compare the bladder- related quality of life between patients with SCI and multiple sclerosis (MS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-five patients with SCI and 57 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were included in the study. For analysis of test-retest reliability, the Turkish version of the KHQ scale was developed using the back translation method, and it was administered on the day of admission and again one week later. The Qualiveen and SF-36 questionnaires were administered to the patients for validity analysis. Moreover, the results of KHQ that had been administered to 35 patients with SCI were compared with those of 57 patients with MS.

RESULTS

Both the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient: 0.68-0.93) and the test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.69-0.94) of the KHQ in patients with SCI were found to be high. Although a weak correlation between the subscales of the KHQ and SF-36, a moderate correlation between the subscales of KHQ, and the Qualiveen questionnaire (0.34<r<0.76, p<0.05) were found. The comparison of patients with SCI and patients with MS in terms of KHQ revealed that patients with SCI had significantly higher scores in some of the subscales of KHQ (p<0.05). These higher scores represented the worst health state, and the uppermost limit was determined as 100 points.

CONCLUSION

The KHQ scale is an internally consistent, reliable, and valid scale for people with SCI. In addition, bladder-related quality of life was poorer in patients with SCI than in MS patients.

Social activity and relationship changes experienced by people with bowel and bladder dysfunction following spinal cord injury

STUDY DESIGN

Exploratory qualitative.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of bowel and bladder dysfunction on social activities and relationships in people with spinal cord injury living in the community.

SETTING

People living with spinal cord injury experiencing bowel and bladder dysfunction.

METHODS

Participants were recruited through the Australian Quadriplegic Association Victoria. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were undertaken with purposively selected participants to ensure representation of age, gender, spinal cord injury level and compensation status. A thematic analysis was performed to interpret patient experiences.

RESULTS

Twenty-two participants took part in the study. Bladder and bowel dysfunction altered relationships because of issues with intimacy, strained partner relationships and role changes for family and friends. A lack of understanding from friends about bladder and bowel dysfunction caused frustration, as this impairment was often responsible for variable attendance at social activities. Issues with the number, location, access and cleanliness of bathrooms in public areas and in private residences negatively affected social engagement. Social activities were moderated by illness, such as urinary tract infections, rigid and unreliable bowel routines, stress and anxiety about incontinence and managing the public environment, and due to continuous changes in plans related to bowel and bladder issues. Social support and adaptation fostered participation in social activities.

CONCLUSION

Tension exists between managing bowel and bladder dysfunction and the desire to participate in social activities. Multiple intersecting factors negatively affected the social relationships and activities of people with spinal cord injury and bowel and bladder dysfunction.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Urine Cultures of Spinal Cord Injury Patients

Objective

To identify the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and identify their specific risk factors in routine urine specimens of spinal cord injury (SCI) patients.

Methods

This study was designed in a retrospective manner, reviewing the medical records of SCI patients who were admitted to a specialized SCI unit between January 2001 and December 2013. Patients were investigated for age, gender, American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale, SCI level, duration after injury, bladder management method, and hospitalization history within four weeks prior to visiting our unit. The results of routine urine cultures including presence of MDR organisms were analyzed.

Results

Among the total 2,629 urine samples from the newly admitted SCI patients, significant bacteriuria was identified in 1,929 (73.4%), and MDR organisms were isolated in 29 (1.1%) cultures. There was an increasing trend of MDR organism prevalence from 2001 to 2013 (p<0.01). The isolation of MDR organisms in inpatients who were admitted for rehabilitation (1.3%) was significantly higher than it was among community-residing persons (0.2%) (p<0.05). By voiding method, patients who used a suprapubic indwelling catheter (3.3%) or a urethral indwelling catheter (2.6%) showed a higher rate of MDR organism isolation (p<0.05).

Conclusion

There was an increasing trend of MDR organism isolation in SCI patients. Inpatients and persons who used indwelling catheters showed a higher risk of MDR organism isolation.

Concept Analysis and Content Validation of Risk of Injury to the Urinary Tract: Nursing Diagnosis

PURPOSE

To elaborate, propose, and validate risk for urinary tract injury as a nursing diagnosis.

METHODS

Methodology was divided into three phases: analysis of the concept of urinary tract injury, elaboration of the diagnosis, and validation by a group of specialists.

FINDINGS

Diagnosis label, definition, and inclusion in taxonomy were validated. In 15 risk factors proposed, 12 were validated.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of urinary tract injury was validated as a nursing diagnosis to contemplate the vulnerability of patients using urinary catheters.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Identification of these risk factors contributes to the elaboration of care plans to improve quality of care.

Factors predicting depression among persons with spinal cord injury 1 to 5 years post injury

OBJECTIVES

Estimate changes in prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) 1 to 5 years post spinal cord injury (SCI); Identify demographic, injury, and discharge factors associated with MDD at 1 and 5 years post-injury; Identify modifiers of changes in MDD.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Model Spinal Cord Injury System.

PARTICIPANTS

2,256 adult participants enrolled in the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center between 1999 and 2004.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

MDD as determined by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

RESULTS

Prevalence of MDD was 11.9% at 1 year and 9.7% at 5 years post SCI. Odds of MDD decreased significantly 1 to 5 years post-injury (odds ratio=1.26, 95% confidence interval=1.02, 1.56). At 1 year post-injury, the odds of MDD was greater for persons 35-55 years old at injury, unemployed, having an indwelling catheter or voiding bladder management at discharge, and higher scores on ASIA motor index. At 5 years post-injury, the odds of MDD were greater for females, persons 35-55 years old at injury, those with a high school education or less, those having an indwelling catheter, voiding, and no bladder management at discharge, and higher scores on ASIA motor index. Sex was the only significant modifier.

CONCLUSIONS

MDD occurs commonly 1 to 5 years post SCI. Sociodemographic, injury, and discharge factors are associated with the development and changes in depression. Future research should expand upon current findings in order to identify, prevent, and reduce the prevalence of MDD after SCI.

Intermittent catheterization and recurrent urinary tract infection in spinal cord injury

PURPOSE

To study the association of recurrent symptomatic urinary tract infections (UTIs) with the long-term use of clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) for the management of neurogenic bladder in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

METHODS

Retrospective study of 61 SCI patients with neurogenic bladder managed by CIC. Subjects were selected from 210 SCI patients seen at the Yale Urology Medical Group between 2000 and 2010. Medical UTI prophylaxis (PRx) with oral antimicrobials or methenamine/ascorbic acid was used to identify patients with recurrent UTI. The number of positive cultures (≥10(3) cfu/mL) within a year prior to starting PRx was used to confirm the recurrence of UTI.

RESULTS

Fifty-one male and 10 female subjects were managed with CIC. Forty-one (67%) subjects were placed on medical PRx for symptomatic recurrent UTI. Seventeen (28%) subjects had at least 3 positive cultures within the year prior to starting PRx. Fifteen of 20 (75%) subjects not on PRx had no complaints of UTI symptoms in the final year of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Recurrent symptomatic UTIs remain a major complication of long-term CIC in SCI patients. Although CIC is believed to have the fewest number of complications, many SCI patients managed with long-term CIC are started on medical PRx early in the course of management. Future studies are needed to determine the efficacy of routine UTI PRx in these patients as well as determine what factors influence why many patients on CIC experience frequent infections and others do not.

The assessment of bladder and urethral function in spinal cord injury patients

The correlation between the anatomic site of spinal cord injury and real-time conditions of bladder and urethral function was assessed in order to provide a reasonable basis for the clinical treatment of neurogenic bladder. A total of 134 patients with spinal cord injuries (105 males, 29 females; averaged 34.1 years old) were involved in this retrospective analysis, including urodynamic evaluation, clinical examination and imaging for anatomical position, and Bors-Comarr classification. The associations between the levels of injury and urodynamic findings were analyzed. The results showed that mean follow-up duration was 16.7 months (range 8-27 months). Complete spinal cord injuries occurred in 21 cases, and incomplete spinal cord injuries in 113 cases. Of the 43 patients with upper motor neuron (UMN) injuries, hyperreflexia and (or) detrusor sphincter dyssynergia were demonstrated in 30 (69.8%), 31 (72.1%) suffered low bladder compliance (less than 12.5 mL/cmH(2)O), 28 (65.1%) had high detrusor leak point pressures (greater than 40 cmH(2)O), and 34 (79.1%) had residual urine. Of the 91 patients with lower motor neuron (LMN) injuries, areflexia occurred in 78 (85.7%), high compliance in 75 (82.4%), low leak point pressures in 80 (87.9%), and residual urine in 87 (95.6%), respectively. The associations between the anatomical site of spinal cord injury and urodynamic findings were ill defined. In patients with spinal cord injury, this study revealed a significant association between the level of injury and the type of voiding dysfunction. The anatomical site of spinal cord injury can not be predicted in real-time condition of bladder and urethral function. Management of neurogenic bladder in patients with spinal cord injury must be based on urodynamic findings rather than inferences from the neurologic evaluation.