Spinal Cord Injury Grand Rounds-RRTC

On Tuesday, July 12, 2011 we hosted our quarterly Grand Rounds presentation for the RRTC grant. Dr. Jim Krause of the Medical University of South Carolina, PI of the grant, presented, "Preventing secondary health conditions and promoting longevity after spinal cord injury (SCI)." The objectives of the presentation included to identify a minimum of three health behaviors that affect the development of secondary conditions or early mortality, identify a minimum of two psychological factors that lead to an elevated risk of secondary health conditions or early mortality, and identify optimal predictors of mortality which should be assessed to identify high-risk cases and implement prevention strategies for elevated risk of secondary health conditions or early mortality after SCI.

In the presentation, Dr. Krause gave an overview of SCI and secondary health conditions related to SCI. He discussed previous team research completed on secondary health conditions utilizing the risk model that is used to classify the types of factors related to maintaining health and longevity after SCI. This risk model has found that biographic and injury factors, as well as behavioral factors and socioeconomic factors are important in determining secondary conditions and mortality after SCI, even after controlling for health status. In addition, it was concluded that life expectancy needs to become a greater priority in SCI care, every clinician has the opportunity to become an educator, and diminished life expectancy is a consequence of SCI that should be discussed with the individual and his/her family. Acute and scheduled follow-ups in individuals with SCI should include screening for risk factors for mortality, including signs of clinical depression. Lastly, prevention strategies are needed prior to the development of secondary conditions that threaten long term survival with SCI.

One hundred and eighteen attendees came to the presentation which included physical therapists, occupational therapists, students of physical therapy and occupational therapy, and researchers. Attendees were from MUSC and neighboring Roper Rehabilitation Hospital, and the VA Hospital. All attendees were eligible for one hour of CME or CEU credit. The next Grand Rounds will be in October at MUSC.