Assessment of Autonomic Dysfunction in Compressive Myelopathy Using COMPASS-31: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in India
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Compressive myelopathy (CM) involving the cervical and thoracic spinal cord can impair not only motor and sensory pathways but also autonomic regulation. Autonomic dysfunction (AD) in CM is underdiagnosed, yet clinically significant, especially in surgical planning and prognosis. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and severity of autonomic dysfunction in patients with compressive myelopathy using the validated Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 (COMPASS-31) questionnaire. Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional observational study involving 44 patients with MRI- confirmed compressive cervical or thoracic myelopathy. COMPASS-31 was administered to evaluate autonomic dysfunction. Scores were correlated with Nurick grading and clinical variables. Results: Of 44 patients, 42.9% had severe autonomic dysfunction (COMPASS-31 >30). Bladder and gastrointestinal domains were most affected. COMPASS-31 scores correlated significantly with Nurick grade. A score >30 had 89.5% specificity for moderate-to-severe dysfunction. Conclusions: : COMPASS-31 is a useful screening tool to detect autonomic dysfunction in CM. Routine autonomic assessment in CM patients may improve risk stratification and outcomes
Source: Journal of chemical health risks
Author: Sanjay Dhayal, Ashok Kumar Garg
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7217268892