No abstract

The aim of the study was to reveal the incidence and time course of depressive symptoms following acute spinal cord injury (SCI) in relation to clinical outcomes for comparison to other neurological disorders with severe impairment. In patients with acute traumatic SCI (n = 130), combined follow up assessments of neurological and functional outcomes, pain and patient-rated affective factors (e.g. mood, anxiety) were prospectively (1, 3, 6, 12 months after injury) collected during rehabilitation and follow up in out-patient clinics. We related these to the severity of depressive symptoms (no, mild, moderate and severe) based on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores. The mean 65% of patients showed no depressive symptoms and 30% mild depressive symptoms, while less than 5% presented moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The group findings and symptoms in individual patients remained stable over 1 year though patients revealed significant clinical recovery. Although two-thirds of the patients experienced pain, BDI scores were not related to pain intensity. BDI mean scores were only slightly higher than in control populations, but rather low compared to patients with other neurological disorders (e.g. stroke and multiple sclerosis) that are also associated with severe functional impairment. The prevalence of depressive symptoms following acute SCI is rather low and remains stable within the first year after injury despite the severe neurological impairment and loss of independency. In comparison to other neurological disorders that also involve brain function SCI patients seem to be less challenged by depressive symptoms that constitute additional burdens to respond to the severe functional impairments.

Study design: Qualitative, multi-center study. Objectives: The objective of this study is to explore the aspects of functioning and disability that are relevant to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), using a comprehensive approach based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Methods: Forty-nine people with SCI from early post-acute and long-term rehabilitation settings participated in nine focus groups. Five open-ended questions based on the ICF were used to initiate discussion about relevant Body Functions and Structures, Activities and Participation, Environmental and Personal Factors. The focus groups were audiotaped and the recording was transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analyses included the identification, extraction and coding of meaningful concepts from the transcribed dialogue. Concepts were coded according to established rules using ICF categories and were summarized semi-quantitatively. Results: In the analysis, 1582 different concepts were identified. For coding one concept, an average of 1.4 ICF categories was used. This resulted in 2235 concept-ICF category links, 1068 in the early postacute and 1167 in the long-term context, respectively. For the coding, 274 out of the 1454 categories contained in the ICF were used. Conclusion: The ICF coding showed the broad range of relevant aspects in the functioning experience of persons with SCI. Besides body limitations (especially paralysis and pain), the most relevant concepts covered mainly barriers in physical environment, assistive devices and social support, as well as the impact on everyday life regarding leisure and work. The resulting list of ICF categories can be helpful in facilitating person-centered clinical care and research.

Investigator-determined and patient-reported outcomes can differ considerably and evolve differently. A patient-reported outcome measure may not detect actual functional improvement. It is likely that changes in patient-reported outcomes are influenced by many factors in addition to those associated with functional recovery, including psychological factors.