PROFILE OF SPINAL CORD TRAUMA VICTIMS TREATED AT A REFERENCE UNIT IN SÃO PAULO

ABSTRACT Introduction: Spinal cord trauma (SCT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. It affects different age groups, especially young adults who are victims of high-energy trauma. The most effective way to reduce the incidence of spinal cord trauma and its consequences is through preventive campaigns and control and surveillance measures through public agencies. The objective of this study is to outline the epidemiological profile of patients with spinal cord trauma attended at a tertiary care center in the city of São Paulo. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study performed at a reference center for the care of patients with spinal cord injury in the State of São Paulo. Data were collected from the medical records of patients with spinal cord trauma between 2012 and 2016. Results: Of the 515 patients with spinal trauma, 153 (29.7%) had spinal cord injury of which 131 (85.62%) were male, and 22 (14.37%) were female, in a ratio of approximately 6:1. The mean age was 39.45 years. The main cause of spinal cord trauma observed was the fall from heights, with 72 cases (47.05%), and 52.94% were classified as Frankel A. Conclusions: The results showed that the majority of the patients were young, economically active, with low educational level, exposed to accidents that could be largely avoided. Most of these patients also had severe disabling injuries, which usually bring considerable psychological sequelae and economic consequences to the individual and to society. Level of evidence: IV. Type of study: Case series.

摘要
引言：脊髓创伤（Spinal Cord Trauma, SCT）是全球范围内导致伤残与死亡的重要病因之一，可累及各年龄段人群，尤以遭受高能量创伤的青壮年群体为甚。降低脊髓创伤发病率及其不良预后的最有效手段，是通过公共机构开展预防宣传、实施管控与监测措施。本研究旨在梳理圣保罗市某三级医疗中心收治的脊髓创伤患者的流行病学特征。
方法：本研究为回顾性横断面研究，研究对象为圣保罗州某脊髓损伤诊疗参考中心的患者，数据提取自2012年至2016年间收治的脊髓创伤患者的病历资料。
结果：在515例脊柱创伤患者中，共153例（29.7%）合并脊髓损伤，其中男性131例（85.62%），女性22例（14.37%），男女比例约为6:1；患者平均年龄为39.45岁。本次研究观察到的脊髓创伤主要诱因为高空坠落，共计72例（47.05%）；另有52.94%的患者被评定为Frankel A级。
结论：研究结果显示，大部分患者为处于劳动年龄的青壮年群体，受教育水平偏低，且所遭遇的事故大多可通过预防措施避免。此类患者多伴有严重致残性损伤，通常会给患者个体及社会带来显著的心理后遗症与经济负担。
证据等级：IV级。研究类型：病例系列研究。