Journal Club: Long-term functional outcome in patients with acquired infections after acute spinal cord injury

Abstract

Infections, particularly pneumonia, are the primary cause of mortality in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).1 Several factors may contribute to the high rate of infections in the SCI population, including motor paralysis and reduced reflexes resulting in aspiration, invasive procedures, and so-called SCI-induced immune depression syndrome (SCI-IDS).2,3 SCI-IDS is thought to occur when the connection between the CNS and the immune system are disrupted by a lesion in the spinal cord, resulting in a decrease in immune function.3 In addition to increased morbidity and mortality, infections after SCI may affect neurologic recovery.2,3 A recent study found that infections impaired the return of muscle strength up to 1 year postinjury; however, the long-term consequences remain uncertain2.