Research on complications and bladder management of the chronic phase spinal cord injury in China
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate common complications during the chronic phase of spinal cord injury (SCI) and to assess bladder management methods and their associated complications in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). A retrospective analysis was performed using clinical data from chronic-phase SCI patients across multiple centers in China. The study population included individuals diagnosed with SCI and admitted between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate differences in the distribution of complications, disease duration, bladder management methods, and urinary complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for urinary complications. A total of 849 SCI patients from 28 provinces in China were included, showing significant demographic and clinical differences between traumatic SCI (TSCI) and non-traumatic SCI (NTSCI). Urinary tract infection (59.95%) and bowel-related complications, such as constipation (62.17%), were the most frequently reported complications. Additionally, the incidences of osteoporosis (38.50%), neuropathic pain (29.99%), bowel incontinence (12.06%), and hydronephrosis (11.91%) were also high. NLUTD was present in 90.58% of SCI patients. Among these, intermittent catheterization was associated with significantly lower rates of urological complications compared to indwelling catheterization (p = 0.025). Multivariate analysis identified bladder management method as a significant risk factor for urinary complications, with indwelling catheterization associated with a higher risk of urinary stones (p < 0.001) compared to intermittent catheterization. The high prevalence of bowel- and urological-related complications among Chinese SCI patients highlights the need for increased societal attention. In terms of bladder management, intermittent catheterization may provide greater benefits compared to indwelling catheterization. Further research and education are necessary to promote intermittent catheterization as a standardized bladder management approach for SCI patients.
Source: Scientific Reports
Authors: Haoyu Sun, Han Deng, Yixi Liu, Zitian He, Gongyue Liu, Zhong Chen, Xiande Huang, Gang Chen, Yan Li, Hai Huang, Jin Tang, Lei Pang, Tao Liu, Deyi Luo, Mengyang Zhang, Hui Chen, Limin Liao, Xing li
Institutions: Capital Medical University, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Wenzhou Medical University, Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Gansu Provincial Hospital, The Affiliated Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Southwest Hospital, Shandong University, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Third Xiangya Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, First Hospital of China Medical University, Sichuan University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Guangdong Work Injury Rehabilitation Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Urology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
Award: G5604669034
OpenAlex ID: W4410089868