Risk indicators of length of acute hospital stay after traumatic spinal cord injury in South Africa: a prospective, population-based study.

STUDY DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

To determine non-modifiable and modifiable risk indicators of acute length of hospital stay (LOHS) after traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI).

SETTING

Government-funded hospitals within the City of Cape Town, South Africa.

METHODS

Newly injured survivors of TSCI during a 1 year period were prospectively included. Non-modifiable (e.g., demographic factors and clinical characteristics) and modifiable risk indicators (e.g., clinical processes, timing of surgery, secondary complications) of prolonged LOHS (31 days) were determined using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Of the total population-based cohort of 145 individuals, 139 (96%) had valid LOHS data and were included in the analyses. Significant univariate non-modifiable risk indicators of LOHS were age, complete injury and vertebral injury, whereas modifiable risk indicators were delayed spinal surgery (>72 h) and the occurrence of any secondary complications, as well as specifically pressure ulcers, pneumonia and urinary tract infection. In the final multivariable model showing good fit and acceptable discrimination (AUC = 0.86), older age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.07), vertebral injury (OR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.07-9.44), pneumonia (OR: 8.40, 95% CI: 2.76-25.55) and pressure ulcers (OR: 7.16, 95% CI: 2.54-20.22) remained significant independent factors. Only injury completeness was insignificant in the final model.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings shed light on the need of developing prevention programs for secondary complications to improve the quality and efficiency of acute SCI care in South Africa.

SPONSORSHIP

The National Research Foundation of South Africa.