The role of clinical and demographic predictors for understanding the cognitive impairment in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients

Author(s)

Hara, Ana Clara Portela ; Aching, Nicole C. ; Marques, Lucas M. ; Barbosa, Sara P. ; Souza, Daniel R. ; Fregni, Felipe ; Battistella, Linamara R. ; Simis, Marcel

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SPINAL CORD; v. 62, n. 6, p. 7-pg., 2024-04-12.

Abstract

Study designUsing a cross-sectional design, we extracted sociodemographic and clinical data from 488 Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) patients during their initial assessment before receiving intensive rehabilitation treatment.ObjectivesThe primary objectives of this study were to ascertain the prevalence of cognitive impairment in the study sample and specify the key clinical and demographic predictors of cognitive functioning in SCI patients.SettingLucy Montoro Rehabilitation Institute (LMRI), University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.MethodsWe utilized independent univariate and multivariate regression models with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale, adapted for individuals with visual impairment. Moreover, we consider scores from the execution tasks (visuospatial/executive) as the dependent variable.ResultsOur findings demonstrate that approximately 80% of the evaluated study sample exhibited cognitive impairment. Through the multivariate regression models, we show that several factors, including age, education, depression levels, and the use of analgesics and/or opioids, are significant predictors of total cognitive scores. These factors are independent of the clinical features associated with SCI, such as age, sex, education, and time since the injury.ConclusionsThe results indicate a high prevalence of significant cognitive impairment within the sample, with age, education, depression levels, and the use of analgesics and/or opioids emerging as the primary predictors of total cognitive scores, independent of the clinical features correlated to SCI. These findings hold significant implications for both clinical research and practice, offering valuable guidance for comprehensive management throughout hospitalization and rehabilitation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/12943-8 - Inhibitory deficit as a marker of neuroplasticity in rehabilitation
• Grantee: Felipe Fregni
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - SPEC Program
• FAPESP's process: 20/08512-4 - Inhibition deficit as a marker of neuroplasticity in rehabilitation
• Grantee: Sara Barbosa Franco
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/05897-5 - Inhibition deficit as a marker of neuroplasticity in rehabilitation
• Grantee: Lucas Murrins Marques
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral