Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate longitudinal risk factors of hospitalization for
circulatory and pulmonary diseases among veterans with chronic spinal cord injury
(SCI). Circulatory and respiratory system illnesses are leading causes of death
in patients with chronic SCI, yet risk factors for related hospitalizations have
not been characterized. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Veterans
Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts. PARTICIPANTS/DATA
SOURCES: Veterans (N=309) greater than or equal to 1 year post-SCI from the VA
Boston Chronic SCI cohort who completed a health questionnaire and underwent
spirometry at study entry. Baseline data were linked to 1996 through 2003
hospitalization records from the VA National Patient Care Database.
INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cardiopulmonary hospital
admissions, the predictors of which were assessed by multivariate Cox regression.
RESULTS: Of 1478 admissions observed, 143 were a result of cardiopulmonary (77
circulatory and 66 respiratory) illnesses. Independent predictors were greater
age (3% increase/y), hypertension, and the lowest body mass index quintile (<22.4
kg/m2). A greater percentage-predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second was
associated with reduced risk. SCI level and completeness of injury were not
statistically significant after adjusting for these risk factors. CONCLUSIONS:
Cardiopulmonary hospitalization risk in persons with chronic SCI is related to
greater age and medical factors that, if recognized, may result in strategies for
reducing future hospitalizations.

Langue : ANGLAIS