Influence of age on acute traumatic spinal cord injury in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Study design: Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: To evaluate influence of age after traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI).

Setting: 13 specialized hospitals with neurosurgical departments of Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Methods: Charts of all patients admitted with TSCI to the city hospitals 2012-2016. Demographic and clinical characteristics, surgical interventions, complications, mortality rate, and hospital stays were recorded.

Results: 311 patients with TSCI were included. TSCI was more common in younger age. Mean age (SD) was 42.4 (16.8) years. Patients were divided into four age groups: 18-29, 30-44, 45-59 and ≥60 years. The group ≥60 years had the lowest percentage of concomitant traumatic brain injury (TBI), 25%, versus 43% in TSCI < 60 years, p < 0.05. Low falls were the most frequent cause in patients aged 60 years and older, and led to less severe neurological deficits (p < 0.05). Complications were most frequent in motor complete TSCI (AIS A and AIS B) and in persons with combined TSCI and TBI at older age. Total complication rate was 67% at the age of ≥60 years versus 38% <60 years in TSCI with TBI (p < 0.05). Respiratory complications occurred in 67% ≥45 years versus 45% <45 years, p < 0.05. In-hospital mortality rate after TSCI was higher in the oldest age group.

Conclusions: Respiratory complications are common and the in-hospital mortality is higher among elderly people. Older patients with TSCI and TBI are at high risk for complications.