Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine最新文献

Background: Bone loss following spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to an increased risk of fragility fractures, especially at the knee and hip. While research to date has primarily focused on mitigating bone loss in the acute phase, our recent publication demonstrated an improvement in bone mineral and strength at the lumbar spine and hip, but not the knee, in women with chronic SCI and osteoporosis after 12 months of romosozumab therapy. This paper presents 12 months of follow-up treatment with oral alendronate, which aimed to determine whether prior gains could be maintained with transition of therapy in the same sample.

Methods: Ten study participants completed the alendronate treatment. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computed tomography (CT) scans were taken at the end of the treatment year to quantify changes to bone mineral density (BMD) and CT-based finite element (FE) estimations of fracture strength. Second year results were compared to the first year of romosozumab treatment data using non-parametric analyses.

Results: No significant changes between the month-12 and month-24 visits were observed for BMD at the lumbar spine (P = .432) or total hip (P = .432). Correspondingly, no significant change in FE-derived strength at the proximal femur (P = .695) was observed. There were no appreciable changes in BMD or bone strength at the knee following the alendronate intervention.

Conclusions: Overall, one year of treatment with monthly romosozumab followed by one year of treatment with weekly alendronate, significantly increased and maintained bone mineral at the hip, but not the knee, in women with chronic SCI and secondary osteoporosis.

Context/objective: The 13-item Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) is the most widely used generic patient activation measure, but spinal cord injury (SCI) related psychometric evaluation of PAM-13 has not been explored globally. This study aimed to assess the validity of the Chinese version of the PAM-13 (PAM-13-C) for individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (CSCI).

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center, and some participants were recruited in a WeChat group (the most commonly used social media platform in China).

Participants: 284 individuals with spinal cord injury who had lived with the injury for ≥0.5 year.

Interventions: NA.

Outcome measures: The PAM-13-C, global QoL, seven-item generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD-7) and nine-item patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), and General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used.

Results: The mean (SD) PAM-13-C score was 57.4 (16.5). The highest percentage of NA could be observed in item 9 (12.0%). Floor and ceiling effects of the total scores of PAM-13-C were small (0.7% and 6.7%), but a ceiling effect could be observed among all items. Exploratory Factor Analysis supported a one-factor model of the PAM-13-C (CFI = 0.97; RMSEA = 0.07). Construct validity was established through correlation analysis among the PAM-13-C, GAD-7/PHQ-9, global QoL, and GSES. The PAM-13-C demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95) and acceptable test-retest reliability.

Conclusion: The PAM-13-C is a reliable and valid measure of patient activation for individuals with CSCI in China.

Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the relationship between red blood cell (RBC) count and D-dimer levels in patients with spinal cord injury, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets for minimizing D-dimer levels.

Study design: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional, single center study.

Setting: Individuals with SCI (576 cases) admitted to a rehabilitation medicine department.

Outcome measures: After exclusions, we divided the participants (n = 308) into two groups based on their D-dimer levels: Group 1 (≤0.5  mg/L, n = 64) and Group 2 (>0.5  mg/L, n = 244). Key variables such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), anticoagulant therapy, pulmonary infection, injury characteristics, and hematological parameters were analyzed for their association with RBC counts and D-dimer levels.

Results: DVT and anticoagulant therapy emerged as significant covariates. A comprehensive analysis identified a negative linear correlation between RBC counts and D-dimer levels, markedly more pronounced in Group 2. For every 1.00 × 10¹²/L increase in RBC, D-dimer levels decreased by 1.93  mg/L in Group 2, compared to a 0.02  mg/L decrease in Group 1.

Conclusions: Higher RBC counts might be associated with lower D-dimer levels in patients with SCI, especially in those with higher initial D-dimer levels. This association highlights a potential therapeutic focus on managing RBC counts to decrease D-dimer level, which may mitigate the risk of DVT formation in patients with SCI.

Study design: Retrospective non-controlled intervention study.

Objectives: To assess indications, feasibility, safety and efficacy of dorsal rhizotomy at the level of conus medullaris (conus deafferentation - CDAF) in individuals with spinal cord injury/disease (SCI/D).

Setting: Two specialized tertiary German centers for spinal cord injuries.

Methods: In addition to a detailed description of the surgical procedure (including two technical variants: hemilaminectomy and osteoplastic laminotomy), an analysis of the surgical reports on intra- and postoperative complications and an evaluation of the pre- and postoperative paraplegiologic and neuro-urologic parameters of SCI/D patients with CDAF are presented.

Results: A total of 30 patients, 6 of them women, 22 with complete, 8 with incomplete SCI/D underwent CDAF. The most common indications were therapy-refractory detrusor overactivity, spasticity of the lower limbs and autonomic dysreflexia, usually with several simultaneous indications.Except for one antibiotic-treated wound infection, no severe CDAF-associated complications were documented. Urodynamic parameters (maximum detrusor pressure, maximum cystometric capacity) improved significantly (p < .001). In addition, all clinical targets (autonomic dysreflexia, spasticity triggered by bladder and bowel dysfunction, recurrent urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence) were also significantly improved.Quality of life (SCI-QoL-BDS) was significantly improved (p < .001) from 10 (IQR 6-16) to 17 (IQR 9.75-21), while neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) score did not significantly change.

Conclusions: The present study identified different indications for the use of CDAF that can be performed safely and efficiently with very few intraoperative and postoperative complications. We see a high potential in this method for the improvement of the paraplegiological and neuro-urological therapy spectrum.

Background: To explore the effects of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) on neurons in the red nucleus of rats with spinal cord injury (SCI) based on autophagy.

Methods: 120 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: Control Group, SCI Group, Bafilomycin A1 Group, Rapamycin Group, BYHWD low-dose group (BL Group, 6.25 g/kg), BYHWD high-dose group (BH Group, 25.00 g/kg), with 20 animals in each group. A rat rubrospinal tract (RST) transection model was established and treated for 28 days. The recovery of motor function of rats was observed through inclined plate test and spontaneous upright exploratory behavior test. Nissl's staining was used to observe the cell morphology of injured red nucleus neurons. Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of ATG5 and Beclin1 mRNA. The Western blot method was used to observe the expression levels of Synaptophysin (SYP), Synaptosomal-associated Protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25), Postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), ATG5, and Beclin1 proteins in red nucleus tissue.

Results: Compared with the SCI group, both BL and BH groups significantly improved the forelimb motor function and improved the status of red nucleus neurons in SCI rats. BYHWD increased SYP, SNAP-25, PSD-95, and decreased the red core Beclin1 and ATG5.

Conclusions: BYHWD enhances synaptic regeneration and limb activity in red nucleus neurons of SCI rats by inhibiting autophagy.

Objective: To identify the prevalence and risk factors for low bone density (LBD) in young adults with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Setting: National Rehabilitation Center in Seoul, Korea.

Participants: SCI patients aged 20-49 years hospitalized from January 2010 to October 2021.

Interventions: Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip.

Outcome measures: Areal BMD, Z-score and T-score of each region and prevalence of LBD.

Results: Osteopenia and osteoporosis were diagnosed in 451 (58.2%) and 156 (20.1%) of 775 patients, respectively. Among 181 patients within 3 months of onset, 105 (58%) and 20 (11%) were diagnosed with osteopenia and osteoporosis, respectively. Additionally, the percentage of LBD increased significantly as the time from injury increased. On multivariate analysis, the risk factors for LBD in patients with early SCI within 12 months of onset were female sex (odds ratio [OR] = 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34-4.46; p = 0.002), body mass index (OR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81-0.92; p < 0.001), and age (OR = 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07; p = 0.005). Alcohol or smoking history, etiology, neurological level, or completeness of injury, and the Korean version of the spinal cord independence measure-III score were not significantly correlated with LBD.

Conclusions: The prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis is high in young adults with SCI. In addition, the diagnosis rate is high in the test performed at the initial stages after injury. Therefore, early bone health monitoring should be performed in young adults with SCI.

Objective: The present study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of heavy moxibustion (100 moxa-cone) at Sanyin point (the common point of Yin and kidney) on the function of neurogenic bladder (NB) dysfunction in rats with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): control, NB, NB + Moxibustion, and NB + Moxibustion + YS-49 (PI3 K agonist). The rats in control groups accepted a cut open of the skin, fascia, and muscle. The NB model was established using spinal cord transection. Fourteen days later, animals received heavy moxibustion at Sanyin point for three weeks or/and intraperitoneal administration of YS-49 (a PI3 K agonist). Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale, urodynamic parameters, bladder size, and weight were measured. The hematoxylin-eosin staining method was used to observe the histology of the bladder mucosa. Moreover, NB dysfunction after SCI could be restored by autophagy activation and autophagy is mediated by the PI3 K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Therefore, the expressions of autophagy factor (LC3 II/I and p62), PI3 K, and p-mTOR in the bladder mucosa were evaluated by western blotting.

Results: Heavy moxibustion treatment relieved the development of NB dysfunction in rats with SCI, with an increase in the bladder voiding efficiency and a decrease in afferent activity during storage in the moxibustion group compared with the NB group. The expression levels of LC3 II/I were markedly elevated by moxibustion, accompanied by a decrease in the levels of p62. YS-49 addition increased the PI3 K and p-mTOR expression which were down-regulated by moxibustion. Importantly, YS-49 reversed the effects of moxibustion on autophagy and bladder function.

Conclusion: Heavy moxibustion at Sanyin point exerted its effect on healing-impaired NB dysfunction in rats with SCI, possibly activating autophagy through the PI3 K/mTOR pathway.

Objective: To assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of hybrid assistive limb (HAL) training in patients with varying levels of gait impairment caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) or ligamentum flavum (OLF).

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: July 2014 to May 2019; in - and out-patient rehabilitation unit. Participants: Twenty-five patients with varying levels of ossified lesions and acute, subacute, or chronic postoperative OPLL or OLF.

Interventions: Ten HAL training sessions (sixty min) in total; three times per week (acute/subacute patients) or one time per two months (chronic patients).

Outcome measures: Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale, ASIA motor score, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) motor score for activities of daily living, Berg Balance Scale, and Japanese Orthopedic Association score. Walking capabilities, including gait speed, step length, and cadence, were assessed using 10-meter and 2-minute walking tests (10/2MWT).

Results: All patients completed 10 HAL training sessions without severe adverse events. In the acute/subacute group, all measures showed significant improvements, except the 2MWT. In the chronic group, the gait speed, step length, and ASIA motor, FIM motor, and 2MWT scores significantly improved. Baseline and after-10-sessions estimated marginal means were compared for the acute, subacute, and chronic groups. All items were significant in the acute/subacute groups. In the chronic group, gait speed, step length, ASIA motor score, and 2MWT results were significant.

Conclusion: HAL treatment is feasible, safe, and effective in patients with different degrees of ossified lesions, specifically in those with OPLL or OLF.Trial Registration: UMIN000014336.

Objective: We investigated the construct validity, responsiveness, and interpretability of the Spinal Cord Injury Functional Ambulation Inventory (SCI-FAI) to determine its usefulness in measuring the functional level of gait.

Patients and methods: This was a prospective observational study following the checklist of the Consensus-Based Standards for Selecting Health Measurement Instruments. The SCI-FAI consists of three items: Gait Parameter, Assistive Devices, and Temporal. We recruited 55 patients diagnosed with a spinal cord injury (SCI) in the subacute or chronic phase from Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences Hospital. Construct validity was clarified by hypothesis testing and the rate of hypothesis verification. We divided responsiveness into subacute and chronic groups and determined the correlation between the changes in the two timepoints of the SCI-FAI and 6-minute walk test. Interpretability involved the calculation of cutoff values for indoor and outdoor walking.

Results: Construct validity was confirmed for 12 of the 15 hypotheses, indicating high construct validity. In the subacute group, Gait Parameter and Assistive Devices showed moderate responsiveness. Interpretability showed that the Gait Parameter was perfect in 19 of the 20 subjects who did not need a walking aid when walking. The cutoff value for Gait Parameter for indoor walking was 17.5 points (AUC 0.91) and that for Assistive Devices was 9.5 points (AUC 0.88). The cutoff values for outdoor walking were Gait Parameter 18.5 points (AUC 0.96) and Assistive Devices 10.5 points (AUC 0.94).

Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that the SCI-FAI has adequate construct validity, moderate responsiveness in SCI patients in the subacute phase, and interpretability in the gait assessment of individuals with SCIs. Gait Parameter is likely to show a ceiling effect for people with SCIs who can walk without using an upper-limb walking aid.

Background: The necessary and optimal physical activity for individuals with spinal cord injury remains unclear, and the development of interventions adapted to the needs of individuals with spinal cord injury is inadequate.

Objective: To investigate the implications and health-related outcomes of different levels of physical activity on individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Methods: The participants comprised 67 individuals, aged 18-65 years, with spinal cord injuries, who resided in Japan. Participants' demographic information was obtained, and their activities of daily living independence, physical activity level, mental health status, lifestyle, and social capital were assessed using online questionnaires. Participants were divided into three groups, based on their level of physical activity. Outcome measures were compared among the participants for different PA levels using one-way ANOVA. And, Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationships between different levels of PA and the other outcome measures.

Results: A one-way analysis of variance demonstrated a significant interaction between sports time, exercise time, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form score, and Health-Related Social Capital among the groups. Participants with low activity correlated negatively with sports time and health practice index, and positively with exercise time and psychological distress. Participants with moderate activity also showed a positive correlation with exercise time and distress.

Conclusions: The differences observed in the sports time emphasize the potential benefits of higher physical activity levels among individuals with spinal cord injuries and the existence of challenges associated with different levels of physical activity.