Hoist missions and seasonal influences on air rescue service helicopters: A descriptive study based on three German helicopters (preprint)

Background In the German emergency medical services, 67 rescue helicopters and 12 helicopters for rescue and intensive care transport missions provide their services mostly under visual flight conditions. Of these, 10 helicopters are equipped with a rescue hoist. There is limited data on the frequency of hoist operations, tracer diagnoses, and influences such as weather and vacation periods. This study examines hoist deployment frequencies, tracer diagnostics, and the influence of vacation season at three German helicopter sites.Methods In the period from 01 Feb. 2018 to 31 Dec. 2021, a total of 1340 hoist missions were retrospectively examined descriptively for the helicopters Christoph 15 (n = 196), Christoph 1 (n = 316), and Christoph Murnau (n = 828) using their electronic mission documentation.Results 56.89% of the hoist missions were flown during the summer months, with vacation periods having a small effect on Christoph 1 only. Traumatological diagnoses clearly predominated on all three helicopters, with 75.0% on Christoph 15, 78.8% on Christoph 1, and 52.17% on Christoph Murnau. Among the traumatological indications, extremity trauma (39.29%) was the most frequent, followed by spinal injuries (10.71%), traumatic brain injuries (8.67%), and polytrauma (4.59%). Among internal medicine emergencies, collapse/syncope (5.61%) and cardiovascular arrest (3.06%) were the most common, followed by acute coronary syndromes, anaphylaxis, and hypothermia (2.55% each).Conclusions Despite the predominance of extremity injuries and syncope/collapse, where risk stratification was the primary concern and complex medical care was usually not required, there were also dynamic and complex emergency events, e.g., cardiovascular arrests, traumatic brain injuries, and anaphylaxis. Not even the Covid-19 pandemic led to a significant shift in distribution. Surprisingly, the influence of vacation periods on the frequency of operations was less pronounced even in tourism-oriented regions. For future research, other aspects need to be studied, such as the impact of severe weather on helicopter operations in the context of climate change, as well as personnel strategy (e.g., 3-person vs. 4-person crews).

The Use of a Single-Time Sit-To-Stand Test in Ambulatory Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury by Primary Health Care Providers.

Background: The uncertain health care situations, such as that created by the COVID-19 pandemic, has limited hospital access and facilitated a paradigm shift in health care toward an increased demand for standard home visits and community-based rehabilitation services, including by ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objectives: This 6-month prospective study explored the validity and reliability of a single-time sit-to-stand (STSTS) test when used by primary health care (PHC) providers, including a village health volunteer, caregiver, individual with SCI, and health professional. Methods: Eighty-two participants were assessed for the STSTS using four arm placement conditions (arms on a walking device, arms on knees, arms free by the sides, and arms crossed over the chest) and standard measures, with prospective fall data follow-up over 6 months. Thirty participants involved in the reliability study were also assessed and reassessed for the ability to complete the STSTS conditions by PHC providers. Results: Outcomes of the STSTS test, except the condition with arms on a walking device, could significantly discriminate lower extremity muscle strength (LEMS) and mobility of the participants (rpb = -0.58 to 0.69) with moderate concurrent validity. Outcomes of the tests without using the arms also showed moderate to almost-perfect reliability (kappa = 0.754-1.000) when assessed by PHC raters. Conclusion: The findings suggest the use of an STSTS with arms free by the sides as a standard practical measure by PHC providers to reflect LEMS and mobility of ambulatory individuals with SCI in various clinical, community, and home-based settings.

Complications Associated with Preventive Management to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 Spread After Surgery for Spinal Cord Injury.

BACKGROUND: Preventive management to reduce the risk of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) spread led to delays in active rehabilitation, which may have negatively impacted the outcomes of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Therefore, the aim of this study was to clarify the influence of preventive management on the rate of perioperative complications after surgical treatment for SCI. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study examined the cases of 175 patients who had SCI surgery between 2017 and 2021. We could not continue early rehabilitation interventions starting on April 30, 2020, because of our preventive management to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. Using a propensity score-matched model, we adjusted for age, sex, American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale score at admission, and risk factors for perioperative complications described in previous studies. Perioperative complication rates were compared between the COVID-19 pandemic and prepandemic groups. RESULTS: Of the 175 patients, 48 (the pandemic group) received preventive management. The preliminary analysis revealed significant differences between the unmatched pandemic and prepandemic groups with respect to age (75.0 versus 71.2 years, respectively; p = 0.024) and intraoperative estimated blood loss (152 versus 227 mL; p = 0.013). The pandemic group showed significant delays in visiting the rehabilitation room compared with the prepandemic group (10 versus 4 days from hospital admission; p < 0.001). There were significant differences between the pandemic and prepandemic groups with respect to the rates of pneumonia (31% versus 16%; p = 0.022), cardiopulmonary dysfunction (38% versus 18%; p = 0.007), and delirium (33% versus 13%; p = 0.003). With a propensity score-matched analysis (C-statistic = 0.90), 30 patients in the pandemic group and 60 patients in the prepandemic group were automatically selected. There were significant differences between the matched pandemic and prepandemic groups with respect to the rates of cardiopulmonary dysfunction (47% versus 23%; p = 0.024) and deep venous thrombosis (60% versus 35%; p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Even with early surgical intervention, late mobilization and delays in active rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic increased perioperative complications after SCI surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Development of a Remote Version of the Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensation, and Prehension (GRASSP): Validity and Reliability.

BACKGROUND: The Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensation, and Prehension (GRASSP V1.0) was developed in 2010 as a 3-domain assessment for upper extremity function after tetraplegia (domains: Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension). A remote version (rGRASSP) was created in response to the growing needs of the field of Telemedicine. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of rGRASSP, establishing concurrent validity and inter-rater reliability. METHODS: Individuals with tetraplegia (n = 61) completed 2 visits: 1 in-person and 1 remote. The first visit was completed in-person to administer the GRASSP, and the second visit was conducted remotely to administer the rGRASSP. The rGRASSP was scored both by the administrator of the rGRASSP (Examiner 1), and a second assessor (Examiner 2) to establish inter-rater reliability. Agreement between the in-person and remote GRASSP evaluations was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman agreement plots. RESULTS: The remote GRASSP demonstrated excellent concurrent validity with the GRASSP (left hand intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = .96, right ICC = .96). Concurrent validity for the domains was excellent for strength (left ICC = .96, right ICC = .95), prehension ability (left ICC = .94, right ICC = .95), and prehension performance (left ICC = .92, right ICC = .93), and moderate for sensibility (left ICC = .59, right ICC = .68). Inter-rater reliability for rGRASSP total score was high (ICC = .99), and remained high for all 4 domains. Bland-Altman plots and limits of agreements support these findings. CONCLUSIONS: The rGRASSP shows strong concurrent validity and inter-rater reliability, providing a psychometrically sound remote assessment for the upper extremity in individuals with tetraplegia.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life and accessing rehabilitation services among patients with spinal cord injury and their fear of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The unanticipated coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had a negative effect on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and made significant changes in their daily routine. Patients with SCI face additional health risks, especially mental, behavioral, and physical. Without regular physiotherapy sessions, patients' psychological and functional abilities can deteriorate, and complications can occur. There is little information available about the impact of COVID-19 on the quality of life of patients with SCI, and their access to rehabilitation services during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of patients with SCI and also their fear of COVID-19. The pandemic's impact on the accessibility of rehabilitation services and attendance at physiotherapy sessions in one Chinese hospital were also documented. DESIGN: An observational study based on an online survey. SETTING: Outpatients clinic at the rehabilitation department of Wuhan's Tongji Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: People who had been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury (SCI) and who were receiving regular medical monitoring as outpatients at the rehabilitation department were invited to participate in our study (n = 127). INTERVENTION: Not applicable. OUTCOME MEASURES: A 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) designed to measure participants' quality of life before and during the pandemic. Their fear of COVID-19 was quantified using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Demographic and medical status information was extracted from their medical records. Their use of rehabilitation services and attendance at physical therapy sessions was also documented. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients with SCI completed the SF-12 and FCV-19 scale. The mental and physical aspects of the participants' quality of life declined significantly, during the epidemic compared to the pre-epidemic period. More than half of the participants have experienced fear of COVID-19 based on FCV-19S. Most received only irregular physical therapy during routine checkups. Worry about virus transmission was the most common cause cited for not attending regular physical therapy sessions. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life of these Chinese patients with SCI declined during the pandemic. Most of the participants were shown a high level of fear of COVID-19 and were classified as having an intense fear of COVID-19, in addition to the impact of the pandemic on their access to rehabilitation services and attendance at physical therapy sessions.

Management of spasticity in individuals with spinal cord injury in the era of COVID-19 pandemic societal restrictions.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional telephone interviews. OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic placed unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. Here, we aimed to investigate the disruptions in management of spasticity and activities of daily living (ADL) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. SETTING: Two university hospitals in Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS: Twenty-four individuals with SCI exhibiting moderate and severe spasticity were enroled. All participants underwent ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections at two centres. A self-rated spasticity survey prepared by the authors was conducted. We questioned whether there was an increase in spasticity and the need for new BoNT-A injections during the societal restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Spasticity severity in the previous week was rated using a numeric rating scale (NRS). ADL disrupted by spasticity were assessed by asking open-ended questions. RESULTS: In total, 75% participants reported a moderate increase in spasticity, 12.5% reported a severe increase, and 12.5% reported no difference. The mean spasticity NRS score was 6 (standard deviation = 2). Further, 87.5% (21) participants reported the need for BoNT-A treatment because of symptom re-emergence. When spasticity-induced deterioration in ADL was assessed, individuals mostly reported difficulties in walking, sitting on a wheelchair, and sleep disturbance due to spasticity. CONCLUSIONS: Most (87.5%) individuals with SCI reported a moderate or severe increase in spasticity during COVID-19 restrictions. Individuals with disabilities are an especially sensitive group and require specialised care during extraordinary circumstances, such as pandemics, hurricanes, or earthquakes. SPONSORSHIP: None.

Physical Activity and Health of Koreans with Spinal Cord Injury during COVID-19.

Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to explore the mediating roles of resilience and physical activity (PA) levels on the subjective health of people with spinal cord injury(SCI) during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A total of 201 Koreans with SCI completed a survey between February and April 2021. The questionnaire measured participants' PA levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, resilience, and subjective health assessment. The data were analyzed using SPSS, and PROCESS macro (Model 6) was used to determine the dual mediation effects. Results: PA levels before COVID-19 positively affected resilience and PA levels during COVID-19, and resilience positively affected PA levels during COVID-19 and subjective health. PA levels during COVID-19 had a positive influence on subjective health. Moreover, resilience and PA levels during COVID-19 were independent mediators of the relationship between PA levels before COVID-19 and subjective health. PA levels before COVID-19 indirectly affected subjective health through a dual-mediated pathway of resilience and PA levels during COVID-19. Conclusion: We suggest that it is necessary to promote regular PA for people with physical disabilities to enhance resilience, and thus, maintain a healthy life even during a public health crisis.

Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with spinal cord injury.

PURPOSE: Few studies have examined the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of people with spinal cord injury (SCI), a population uniquely vulnerable to pandemic-related stressors. This study examines the impact of the pandemic on three life domains (psychosocial health, health and health behavior, and social participation) and identifies risk factors for adverse psychosocial health impacts in a sample of people with SCI. METHOD: A diverse sample of 346 adults with SCI completed a survey assessing demographic, disability, health, and social characteristics, and perceived impacts of the pandemic. RESULTS: Many respondents reported no change on items reflecting psychosocial health, health and health behavior, and social participation; however, among those reporting change, more reported negative than positive impacts. Negative impacts were most striking with regard to psychosocial health and social engagement, with approximately half reporting a worsening of stress, depression, anxiety, and loneliness and a reduction in face-to-face interactions and participation in life roles. Regression analyses revealed that those at greater risk of adverse psychosocial impacts were women, were non-Black, were in poorer health, had greater unmet care needs, and were less satisfied with their social roles and activities. CONCLUSIONS: Although not universal, negative impacts were reported by many respondents 9-15 months into the pandemic. Future research should examine the impacts of the pandemic over time and on a wider range of outcomes. Such research could generate substantial benefits in understanding, preventing, or minimizing the adverse effects of the evolving pandemic and future public health emergencies in people with SCI. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Environmental and systems experiences of persons with spinal cord injury and their caregivers when transitioning from acute care to community living during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative case study.

STUDY DESIGN: Comparative case study OBJECTIVES: To elevate the voices of and capture the lived environmental and systems experiences of persons with spinal cord injury (PWSCI) and their caregivers, in transitions from inpatient rehabilitation to the community. Also, to examine the perceived and actual availability and accessibility of services and programs for this group. SETTING: Inpatient rehabilitation unit and community in Calgary, Alberta, Canada METHODS: As a comparative case study, this research included multiple sources of data including brief demographic surveys, pre- and post-discharge semi-structured interviews, and conceptual mapping of services and programs for PWSCI and caregivers in Calgary, Canada (dyads). Three dyads (six participants) were recruited from an inpatient rehabilitation unit at an acute care facility, from October 2020 to January 2021. Interviews were analyzed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach. RESULTS: Dyads described transition experiences from inpatient rehabilitation to community as uncertain and unsupported. Breakdowns in communication, COVID-19 restrictions, and challenges in navigating physical spaces and community services were identified by participants as concerns. Concept mapping of programs and services showed a gap in identification of available resources and a lack of services designed for both PWSCI and their caregivers together. CONCLUSIONS: Areas for innovation were identified that may improve discharge planning and community reintegration for dyads. There is an intensified need for PWSCI and caregiver engagement in decision-making, discharge planning and patient-centered care during the pandemic. Novel methods used may provide a framework for future SCI research in comparable settings.

An interval of clinically silent gastrointestinal bleed in dysautonomic spinal cord injury: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal bleed (GIB) has high incidence in traumatic spinal cord injured (tSCI) patients and can frequently be life-threatening, especially early post-injury. Several risk factors often compound bleeding risk, some are unique to this patient population. Normally, clinical suspicion for GIB arises from symptoms like coffee-ground emesis, hematemesis, melena or even hematochezia. A hemoglobin drop may be a late sign. Due to tSCI, however, patients often experience neurogenic bowels and dysautonomia, which may delay symptom presentation and complicate timely diagnosis of GIB. We report a case of an almost clinically silent GI bleed in the context of acute cervical tSCI. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old female presented with cervical cord transection at C-7 in the setting of motor vehicle rollover, for which surgical decompression was performed. During the acute injury phase, she also received a 10-day course of dexamethasone for symptomatic COVID-19 pneumonia. Two weeks after injury, she underwent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement which demonstrated normal gastric and duodenal anatomy. One week later, a large spike (10x) in blood urea nitrogen: creatinine (BUN: Cr) ratio raised concern for GIB, but hemoglobin remained stable, and stool color remained unchanged. The following day, a gastroenterology consult was requested under increased suspicion of GIB from a sudden 3.5 g/dL hemoglobin drop. The patient received blood transfusion and pantoprazole. An upper endoscopy was performed, revealing three small duodenal ulcers. Melanotic stool ensued afterwards. CONCLUSIONS: Due to dysautonomia, clinical presentation of GIB can be significantly delayed in the tSCI patient population, leaving them vulnerable to succumb to illness. This case illustrates the possibility of an interval in which the patient was bleeding, with the sole indicator being an elevated BUN. Our case calls for closer monitoring of and vigilance for tSCI patients, and possibly employment of different strategies to reduce the incidence and enhance early detection of GIB in tSCI patients to subsequently decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with it.

The overall impact on the daily life of people with disabilities in Mainland China: two cross-sectional studies (preprint)

Background COVID-2019 has become a public health crisis, and as a vulnerable group, people with disabilities (PWDs) might be more seriously affected. However, the overall impact of COVID-19 on PWDs is unclear in Mainland China. Thus, we aimed to analyze the overall impact on PWDs from the early remission stage to the regular control stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mainland China.Methods In March 2020 and March 2021, anonymous questionnaires were distributed in the WeChat group of the PWDs using a convenient sampling method. The personal and family characteristics, perceived risk of COVID-19 infection, and the overall impact of COVID-19 on daily life and medical services needs were collected. The descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were used.Results 311 and 1083 PWDs were enrolled in 2020 and 2021, respectively. In 2020, 82.0% of the participants reported a negative impact on their daily life, and the proportion of big impact was 20.3%. In 2021, 73.1% of PWDs reported a negative impact on their daily life. Multivariate analysis found the impact on medical services needs was the common associated factor of the overall impact on daily life in 2020 and 2021, and PWDs with lower annual household income or chronic diseases were more likely to suffer bigger negative effects in 2020, while being in quarantine or not at work, having items in shortage and with less disability severity (without multiple disabilities or spinal cord injury) were the associated factors in 2021. Based on the matching method, we found that the overall impact on the daily life of PWDs decreased in 2021.Conclusions A majority of the PWDs reported a negative impact on their daily life in Mainland China at the early remission stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact has significantly weakened during the normal control period in 2021. It is recommended to fulfill the medical service needs of PWDs in a timely manner, and those being in quarantine or not at work, without SCI or multiple disabilities, and reporting some items in shortage suffered a bigger major overall COVID-19 impact on daily life.

Going Remote: A Revised Study Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial for Biofeedback Treatment of Anxiety Associated With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: The incidence of anxiety in adults with spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) exceeds that of the general population. Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback training is a potential treatment associated with a reduction in stress and anxiety, however HRV training has not been explored in the SCI/D population. Objectives: To describe a modified protocol piloting HRV training to reduce anxiety associated with SCI/D and detail the COVID-19-related modifications. Methods: To test the feasibility of the biofeedback treatment, 30 adults with SCI/D will complete this pilot randomized controlled trial. Enrollment started in January 2020, halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and resumed in March 2021 with a modified protocol. Protocol modifications are documented using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications (FRAME). Participants are allocated to the treatment or control arm and undergo eight sessions of physiological monitoring at home using a commercially available HRV sensor and mobile application, which also delivers biofeedback training for those in the treatment arm. Surveys are administered following each session to capture self-reported stress, anxiety, and mood. The study is approved by the HCA-HealthONE institutional review board and is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT# 03975075). Conclusion: COVID-19 has changed the research landscape, forcing scientists to rethink their study designs to address patient and staff safety in this new context. Our modified protocol accomplished this by moving the treatment setting and delivery out of the clinic and into the home. In doing so, we address patient and staff safety, increase external validity, and reduce participant burden.

Telepsychology for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Randomized Control Study of Video-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Background: A substantial proportion of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) experience depression, which has been negatively associated with recovery and community participation after injury. Despite significant barriers to seeking and receiving in-person mental health care, little research has focused on the efficacy of telepsychology among individuals with SCI. Objectives: To describe the design and implementation of an ongoing single-center, randomized controlled, video-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention among individuals with SCI. Methods: Participants within 1 year of SCI will be randomized 1:1 to intervention or usual care in a 24-week study. Intervention participants will engage in 10 sessions of CBT over 12 weeks with a licensed clinical psychologist, using iPads via Apple FaceTime. Primary outcomes are depressive symptomatology, anxiety, and life satisfaction (as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Satisfaction with Life Scale, respectively) measured at three time points (baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks). These and other measures are also assessed during monthly telephone surveys conducted between primary timepoints. Results: Recruitment is ongoing. Forty-six participants have been enrolled thus far. Conclusion: Telepsychology is a convenient, flexible, and effective alternative to traditional in-person services. We anticipate that intervention participants will experience improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms and will have greater life satisfaction. Telepsychology interventions among individuals with SCI are tasked to maintain participant privacy, provide assistive technology and/or engage caregivers to minimize mobility limitations, and manage risk remotely. Challenges encountered include recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early intervention on symptoms of psychological morbidity using telepsychology may facilitate greater adaptation following SCI.

A Study Protocol for a Multisite Randomized Controlled Trial of an Intervention to Improve Outcomes After Spinal Cord Injury.

Background: The consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) can place significant demands on an individual's coping mechanisms. Interventions to promote psychological adjustment and coping are often included in inpatient rehabilitation programs; however, following discharge, many individuals with SCI do not receive ongoing counseling or education about psychological adjustment to disability. Effective postacute treatment models are needed to help individuals with SCI build skills that help them adapt to the stresses associated with a chronic physical disability, alleviate the consequences of anxiety and depression, and enhance subjective well-being. Objectives: To describe the protocol for a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of a 6-week intervention designed to improve psychosocial outcomes after SCI. Methods: To test efficacy and replicability of the intervention, we designed a three-arm, multisite RCT with assessments conducted at six time points. Our primary hypothesis is that participants in the Group arm will report greater improvements in psychosocial outcomes than participants who complete the intervention individually via video (Individual arm) or those who do not receive the intervention (Control arm). We also hypothesize that participants in the Group arm will maintain greater improvements in psychosocial outcomes longer than those in the individual or control arms. Conclusion: Results of the RCT will be presented and published to professionals and consumers, and intervention training and materials will be made available upon request.

IncobotulinumtoxinA versus onabotulinumtoxinA intradetrusor injections in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity incontinence: a double-blind, randomized, non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: A randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical study was performed on the efficacy and tolerability of IncobotulinumtoxinA (Incobot/A) vs. OnabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) intradetrusor injections in patients with refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity incontinence performing intermittent catheterization. METHODS: Sixty-four patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis were randomized to receive 30 intradetrusor injections of Incobot/A or OnabotA 200 U; 28 patients in incobotulinumtoxinA group and 29 in onabotulinumtoxinA group completed the study. Primary outcome measure was the non-inferior variation from baseline in daily urinary incontinence episodes (week 12), with a non-inferiority margin of one episode/day. Secondary outcomes measures were changes in Incontinence- Quality of Life questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale Score (bother of symptoms on Quality of Life), urodynamic parameters, occurrence of adverse effects and related costs (week 12). RESULTS: At week 12, mean value of difference in urinary incontinence episodes/day between the two groups was -0.2 (95% two-sided CI: -1; 0.7); the difference in incontinence episodes/day between the two groups was -0.4 with a higher limit of one-sided 95% CI of 0.2 episodes/day which was much lower than the non-inferiority margin of one episode/day. Total score and subscores of Incontinence- Quality of Life questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale scores and urodynamics did not show differences between the two groups. Adverse effects were similar for both treatments, with urinary tract infection being the most frequent, localised effect. Minor costs were observed following Incobot/A. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with refractory neurogenic incontinence due to SCI or multiple sclerosis, incobotulinumtoxinA was not inferior to onabotulinumtoxinA in improving clinical and urodynamic findings in the short-term follow-up, with comparable adverse effects but minor costs.

Spasticity following brain and spinal cord injury: assessment and treatment.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Spasticity is a common sequela of brain and spinal cord injury and contributes to disability, reduces quality of life, and increases economic burden. Spasticity is still incompletely recognized and undertreated. We will provide an overview of recent published data on the definition, assessment, and prediction, therapeutic advances, with a focus on promising new approaches, and telemedicine applications for spasticity. RECENT FINDINGS: Two new definitions of spasticity have been recently proposed, but operational criteria should be developed, and test-retest and inter-rater reliability should be explored. Cannabinoids proved to be effective in spasticity in multiple sclerosis, but evidence in other types of spasticity is lacking. Botulinum neurotoxin injection is the first-line therapy for focal spasticity, and recent literature focused on optimizing its efficacy. Several pharmacological, interventional, and nonpharmacological therapeutic approaches for spasticity have been explored but low-quality evidence impedes solid conclusions on their efficacy. The recent COVID-19 pandemic yielded guidelines/recommendations for the use of telemedicine in spasticity. SUMMARY: Despite the frequency of spasticity, robust diagnostic criteria and reliable assessment scales are required. High-quality studies are needed to support the efficacy of current treatments for spasticity. Future studies should explore telemedicine tools for spasticity assessment and treatment.

Early insights of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Veterans' Affairs spinal cord injury and disorders population.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. OBJECTIVES: The primary outcome of the study was to identify patient characteristics associated with a positive COVID-19 test. The secondary outcome was to identify patient characteristics associated with mortality from COVID-19. SETTING: Veterans Health Administration (VHA) National Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI) Registry, created by the National Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders SCI Program Office in March 2020. METHODS: Data was analyzed in the form of descriptive statistics and then subsequent regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 4,562 persons with SCI were tested for COVID-19 between March and July 2020, and 290 were positive. The study found that African Americans had increased odds of testing positive for COVID-19 (OR 1.53 (1.18-2.00), p < 0.01). Increased age correlated with increased odds of mortality after testing positive for COVID-19 (1.046 (1.003-1.090)). Non-smokers had lower odds of mortality following positive COVID-19 test (0.15 (0.04-0.52)). No association was found between neurologic level of injury (NLI) and positive COVID-19 test or increased mortality. Increased Body Mass Index (BMI) did correlate with positive COVID-19 test but not increased mortality. The case fatality rate for persons with SCI and a positive test for COVID-19 was 12%. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to define the risk factors for patients with SCI to elucidate and mitigate individual and population risks. These risk factors also can play a role in determining the allocation of critical healthcare resources.

Acute cerebellitis, transverse myelitis and polyradiculoneuritis related to post-COVID-19 infection.

CONTEXT: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), acute cerebellitis and transverse myelitis are rare complications of COVID-19 infection separately. The combination of these three, however, has not yet been reported. FINDINGS: We present an atypical case (42-year-old man) that developed acute ascending flaccid paraparesis, ataxia and urinary retention two weeks after COVID-19 infection. Neurological examination revealed distal and proximal weakness (4/5) on lower extremities, decreased tendon reflexes, sixth cranial nerve palsy and dysmetria without sensory disturbance. His cranial MRI showed cerebellitis whereas the spinal MRI showed transverse myelitis at the T11/12 level. Albuminocytologic dissociation was present in the cerebrospinal fluid. The nerve conduction study was concordant with early findings of GBS. He recovered well after corticosteroid treatment without needing any immunotherapy. On day seven of hospitalization, the modified Rankin Scale score was 0. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection may present with a combination of neurological manifestations such as cerebellitis, transverse myelitis and GBS. This patient presented significant functional recovery after treatment with corticosteroid without immunotherapy.

[The second stage of rehabilitation of post-infectious myelopathy after a new coronavirus infection]. / Vtoroi etap reabilitatsii postinfektsionnoi mielopatii posle perenesennoi novoi koronavirusnoi infektsii.

After suffering a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19), patients develop damage to various organs and systems, including the central nervous system. One of the rare and little-described complications is spinal cord injury. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Description of a clinical case of post-infectious myelopathy in a young patient after a new coronavirus infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient L., 28 years old, was admitted for rehabilitation treatment at the Regional Medical and Rehabilitation Center with a diagnosis of post-infectious myelopathy, acute period, lower central paraplegia. The patient underwent a comprehensive clinical and instrumental monitoring, including an assessment of the anamnesis, complaints, physical condition, and neurological status. The dynamics of the patient's condition was assessed using the rehabilitation routing scale, as well as the Rivermead mobility index, functional categories of walking, the Hauser walking index, the Berg balance scale, and the Frenchay hand test. RESULTS: After completion of the rehabilitation course, the patient showed positive dynamics in the form of an increase in exercise tolerance up to 40 minutes; increase in strength and volume of active movements in the lower extremities. Positive dynamics was revealed on all scales assessed. CONCLUSION: Due to the fact that the number of complications of COVID-19 is growing, it is necessary to inform doctors about the possibility of such a complication as myelopathy in order to timely diagnosis and effective treatment, which will reduce the incidence associated with spinal cord dysfunction.