Acute Treatment Options for Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

OPINION STATEMENT: Most treatment options for acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) are directed at minimizing progression of the initial injury and preventing secondary injury. Failure to adhere to certain guiding principles can be detrimental to the long-term neurologic and functional outcome of these patients. Therapy for the hyperacute phase of traumatic SCI focuses on stabilizing vital signs and follows the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) algorithm for ensuring stability of airway, breathing and circulation, and disability (neurologic evaluation)-with spinal stabilization-and exposure. Spinal stabilization, with cervical collars and long backboards, is used to prevent movement of a potentially unstable spinal column injury to prevent further injury to the spinal cord and nerve roots, especially during prehospital transport. Surgery to stabilize the spine is undertaken after life-threatening injuries (hemorrhage, evacuation of intracranial hemorrhage, acute vascular compromise) are addressed. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission is to be considered for all patients with high SCI or hemodynamic instability, as well as those with other injuries that independently warrant ICU admission. Avoidance of hypotension and hypoxia may minimize secondary neurologic injury. Elevating the mean arterial pressure above 85 mmHg for 7 days should be considered, to allow for spinal cord perfusion. The use of intravenous steroids (methylprednisolone) is controversial. Early tracheostomy in patients with lesions above C5 may reduce the number of ventilator days and the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Select patients may benefit from the placement of a diaphragmatic pacer. Aggressive measures, including CoughAssist and Intermittent Positive Pressure Breaths (IPPB), should be used to maintain lung recruitment and aid in the mobilization of secretions. Some patients with high SCI who are dependent on mechanical ventilation can eventually be liberated from the ventilator with consistent efforts from both the patient and the caregiver, along with some patience. Intermittent catheterization by the patient or a caregiver may be associated with a lower incidence of urinary tract infections, compared with an in-dwelling urinary catheter. Early mobilization of patients and a multidisciplinary approach (including respiratory therapists, nutritional experts, physical therapists, and occupational therapists) can streamline care and may improve long-term outcomes. A number of investigational drugs and therapies offer hope of neurologic recovery for some patients.

Acquired Neuromuscular Weakness and Early Mobilization in the Intensive Care Unit

“…In a recent review citing the safety and benefits of early mobilization in medical ICU patients, Banerjee et al endorse early mobilization in the trauma ICU without providing specific recommendations on patient selection or treatment plan. 41 Similarly, Markandaya et al recently published a treatment plan for patients with acute spinal cord injury, in which they recommended "early mobilization (with spinal column stability ensured by operative fixation, external braces, or both), including frequent turning, out-of-bed to chair, and passive range of motion of the limbs," 42 …”

Effects of different etomidate doses on intraoperative somatosensory-evoked potential monitoring

“…We believe that, in spinal cord tumor resection surgery or complex spinal deformity correction surgery, patients do not have sepsis. Moreover, corticosteroids are utilized routinely, although their use is controversial [16,17]. Thus, the use of etomidate in this kind of surgery should not cause significant adverse effects.…”

Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in polytrauma patients

“…1a, b). Assurance of a basic mechanical stability is of high importance in polytrauma patients, assisted in ICU, to facilitate nursing and avoid neurological deficits consequent to numerous movements and associated possibility of breaking up stable amyelic fractures, as showed by Markandaya et al [24].…”