create a table from findings that contain objective, kind of study, source, data collection methods, sample size, age range, gender, level of injury, intervention, treatment, and conclusion" This study aimed to investigate the incidence, demographics, causes, and characteristics of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in Tehran, Iran. The study was a retrospective hospital-based analysis of patients with TSCI admitted to governmental, private, and military hospitals of Tehran from March 2010 to July 2011. Of 867 patients with spine fracture, 138 (15.9%) had TSCI. The majority of TSCI patients were male, had a mean age of 33.2 ± 14.3 years, and were caused by road traffic accidents (24.6%) and falls (16%). The mean annual incidence of TSCI hospitalized patients was 10.5 per million populations per year. The most common site of the fracture was L1, and the most frequent level of injury was at thoracic segments (49.6%). Fall was more common than RTC. The majority of cases presented with paraplegia. The study also found that early surgery was done for 19% of the patients, and the median day of hospitalization was 12 days. Additionally, the study showed that private hospital fees were significantly higher than public ones.
1: The study aimed to evaluate the sexual satisfaction, knowledge and attitudes, expression, intimacy, marital satisfaction, and adjustment in couples with one partner affected by spinal cord injury (SCI). A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 28 couples from the Family and Sexual Health Division in BASIR, Neurosciences Institute affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The couples were required to meet eligibility criteria, including having incomplete or complete SCI for more than a year and no history of chronic psychological and physical illnesses other than SCI. The study used various questionnaires to assess the variables, including the Larson sexual satisfaction questionnaire, sexual knowledge and attitude questionnaire, sexual expression questionnaire, Bagarozzi intimacy questionnaire, ENRICH marital satisfaction questionnaire, marital adjustment questionnaire, female sexual function index, and international index erectile function. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 21, and results showed no significant difference between male and female subjects with SCI in sexual satisfaction, marital satisfaction, intimacy, sexual knowledge and attitudes, sexual expression, and marital adjustment scores. Female subjects with and without SCI showed sexual dysfunction, while male subjects with SCI showed sexual dysfunction compared to the cutoff point on the international index erectile function questionnaire. Results showed no significant correlation between sociodemographic characteristics and questionnaire scores, except for a negative correlation between sample age and sexual satisfaction score, partner age and sexual satisfaction score, and length of marriage and sexual satisfaction score.
2: In a study conducted on 51 patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), the mean scores of Beck depression inventory (BDI) was above 18, indicating the presence of depression in all age, gender, and different levels of SCI (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar) groups. More than 67% of individuals in all age groups, more than 70% in both male and female groups, and more than 65% in all levels of SCI groups got the score above 13, indicating the existence of depression. The test score classes of severe, moderate, and mild depression were mostly observed in different age groups. Pearson chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to compare the distribution of scores in different severity levels in age and gender groups and levels of SCI. Independent samples t test showed no significant difference between the mean scores of male and female groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis test showed no significant difference between the mean scores in age groups and different levels of SCI.
3: The study consisted of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) referred to a tertiary rehabilitation center from all over Iran. The study used structured interviews and surveys to collect data on participants’ demographic information, pain intensity and interference, education level, and access to facilities and social support. The study found that pain affected around half of the participants, with the most common location being the lower limbs and back. Pain intensity was not significantly related to gender, marital status, level of injury, or completeness of neurological deficit, but was significantly related to education level and access to facilities and supplies. Pain correlated positively with impairment of mood, normal work, relationships with others, and poor sleep habits. There was no correlation found between pain and social support.
4: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between religion, spirituality, and mental health in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in Tehran, Iran. The study included 213 patients with SCI, and anxiety and depression were identified as common mental health problems among the participants. However, severe depression was reported less frequently compared to the general population. Higher levels of spiritual well-being and positive religious coping were found to contribute to decreased anxiety, while negative religious coping increased the risk of severe anxiety. Patients with lower negative religious coping and higher levels of existential well-being had lower levels of severe anxiety and depression. Gender was identified as a significant predictor of anxiety, with women experiencing higher levels of anxiety compared to men. The study has limitations, including a cross-sectional design and the sole focus on religion and spirituality as coping mechanisms. Overall, the findings suggest a need for healthcare professionals to recognize and address the psychological challenges that arise in patients with SCI and consider ways to improve their quality of life.
5: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and sexual distress in women with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to identify correlates of FSD. A cross-sectional study was conducted on female patients with SCI who were referred to the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Repair Research Center in Tehran, Iran. The study found that women with SCI had a significantly higher prevalence of FSD and sexual distress compared with healthy control women. Age, education, complete lesions, sexual distress, anxiety, and depression were identified as significant correlates of FSD in women with SCI. The study highlights the need for considering sexual health in women with SCI to improve their overall wellbeing.
6: The study aimed to develop a sexual needs rehabilitation framework for Iranian women with spinal cord injury (SCI). Three steps were conducted, starting with a needs assessment via both a quantitative and qualitative phase and a literature review. A prioritizing framework was developed by a panel of professionals, and sexual needs were categorized via a thematic analysis approach. Findings revealed that SCI had a significant impact on women’s sexual quality of life and function, leading to limited sexual activity and challenges in intimate and romantic relationships. The most important needs were identified as related to sexual function after SCI, psycho-sexual problems, complications, and communication skills. The final framework encompassed a main need, two needs domains, and four needs in women post-SCI. The study highlighted the need for effective sexual and reproductive health education and counseling in the rehabilitation process. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout.
7. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). A total of 148 patients were included, and BMD measurements were conducted using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The study found that older male patients had lower lumbar vertebrae BMD T-scores, while female patients had a positive correlation between BMI and femur neck, trochanter, and intertrochanteric zone T- and Z-scores. Patients with complete SCI had lower lumbar vertebrae BMD T- and Z-scores, and ASIA type D was associated with lower bone density in the intertrochanteric zone of the femur. Additionally, a negative correlation between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level and lumbar vertebrae Z-score was found. The study highlights the importance of assessing and managing bone health in patients with chronic SCI.
8. The study aimed to determine the hospital-based incidence and causes of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in Tehran, Iran. A total of 138 cases of traumatic SCI were identified, with the majority of patients being male and the mean age being 33.2 years. The annual incidence of hospitalized traumatic SCI was found to be 10.5/1,000,000/year. Falls were found to be the leading cause of injury, followed by road traffic crashes. The duration of hospital stay for tetraplegia was longer than for paraplegia. Early surgery was performed for 19% of patients, and the median day of hospitalization for early surgery was less than for late surgery. Prevention strategies should focus on males aged 21-30, falls, and road traffic crashes. More studies are needed to evaluate the incidence of non-hospitalized traumatic SCI patients.
9: This cross-sectional study surveyed medical records of 274 patients with spine trauma admitted to Poursina hospital trauma center in Rasht and enrolled in the Guilan trauma center spinal cord injuries’ registry between 2015 and 2019. The survey recorded demographic information, including age, sex, anatomical site of injury, type of injury, associated injuries, and neurological defects, using the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale. The study found that of the 274 patients, 120 had lumbar SCI, 76 had cervical SCI, 50 had thoracic SCI, and 28 were unable to control their urine. The survey also noted the presence of locked facet in 12 patients and accompanying injuries in 75 patients, with a majority having limb fractures. Of the patients with accompanying injuries, 57 reported having pain. The median Visual Analogue Scores for patients with spine trauma and accompanying injuries was 6. Only three of the 103 patients with SCI had score A, while the rest of them had score E neurological defects.
10: The study analyzed 1137 cases of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) referred to a specialized rehabilitation center in Tehran, Iran from 2011 to 2015. MVA was identified as the most common cause of TSCI, followed by falls. The study found a higher prevalence of divorce/separation among TSCI patients than the general population. The study also identified that the higher the level of injury, the more prevalent the complications, with PUs and autonomic dysreflexia being the most common complications. The capture-recapture technique was used to estimate the point prevalence of TSCI in Tehran province, with an estimated prevalence of 2.36 per 10,000 population. The study also found a bimodal distribution in the neurological level of TSCI, peaking at C5 and T12 levels.
11: The study monitored Iranian veterans with spinal cord injuries (SCI) over a period of three years and collected data using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems – Tenth Revision codes. The majority of the participants were males who suffered SCI due to bullets and shrapnel, road traffic accidents, and city bombardments during the Iraq-Iran war. The health-related status of the participants was obtained from general physicians’ monthly visits and self-reported complaints from telephone calls. The most frequent complaints were related to kidney and/or urologic disorders and pressure ulcers. Out of 1984 veteran records, 101 died, 77 were lost to follow-up, and 90.88% were included in monitoring. The study followed ethical use of human volunteers regulations.
12: The study aimed to evaluate passive knee stiffness and viscosity in individuals with paraplegic spinal cord injury (SCI) compared to able-bodied individuals. Fifteen individuals with paraplegic SCI and 15 able-bodied individuals were selected for the study. The pendulum test procedure was used to acquire passive viscous-elastic parameters of the knee. The results showed that individuals with SCI have significantly greater stiffness compared to able-bodied subjects. However, no significant difference was found in the viscosity between the two groups. Except for F1Amp, all other displacement parameters exhibited no statistically significant difference between subjects with and without SCI. The study concludes that passive knee stiffness is significantly higher in individuals with paraplegic SCI, which may have implications for their ability to perform certain activities and therapies.
13: This cross-sectional retrospective descriptive study aimed to evaluate the effects of type and level of injury on respiratory function in injured veterans. The study reviewed the medical records of 368 male veterans who participated in the health screening program in Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, in 2013 and had met the inclusion criteria. The data showed that incomplete spinal cord injury was associated with better spirometry results than complete spinal cord injury. Paraplegic, thoracic, and lumbar groups also had significantly better spirometry results compared to tetraplegic and cervical groups. Other factors such as age, time since injury, BMI, and smoking did not have significant effects on respiratory function. In general, the veterans’ respiratory status in the screening was appropriate, indicating proper regular visits of veterans at home. The authors suggest that future studies be conducted simultaneously with health screening programs and that international standard forms be used in patients’ medical records.
14: The study analyzed 60 semen samples, taken from 30 infertile men with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and 30 healthy donors with proven fertility, to evaluate sperm parameters and chromatin condensation, DNA integrity, and apoptosis. The majority of cases had sustained injuries through battlefield and vehicular accidents. The study found that sperm concentration and morphology, as well as total motility and progressive and non-progressive motility, were markedly reduced in patients with SCI compared to the control group. The majority of SCI patients also had contaminated semen samples, indicating leukocytospermia. In addition, the study found that sperm chromatin and DNA integrity were severely damaged in patients with SCI, with higher percentages of abnormal spermatozoa in the SCI group compared to the controls. The study concludes that sperm DNA damage and chromatin defects are significant concerns in SCI patients, and that these factors may have negative consequences for fertilization capacity and pregnancy outcomes.
15: The study aimed to determine the epidemiology of traumatic spine injuries in Kashan, Iran. It was a cross-sectional study that included 986 patients with traumatic spine injuries admitted to Shahid Beheshti hospital of Kashan University of Medical Sciences from 2014 to 2017. The majority of the patients were male (77%) and aged 15-30 years. Traffic accidents were the most common mechanism of injury (35.2%) followed by falls (26.95%). The lumbar section was the most common site of injury. The rate of spinal cord injury was 2.63% and the mortality rate was 2.3%. The study highlights the importance of understanding the epidemiology of traumatic spine injuries in order to create appropriate preventative measures.
16: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 206 patients with cervical spine and cord injuries admitted to a trauma center in Shiraz, Iran. The majority of patients were male and the mean age was 37.2 years. The most common fracture location was C6 vertebra, with the upper cervical spine (C0-C1-C2) being affected in 64 cases and the lower in 205. Concomitant injuries included brain, lung, and abdominal injuries, as well as fractures of the face, skull, and other parts of the spine. Treatment options varied, with non-operative management being most common, followed by anterior and posterior decompression, fixation, and fusion. The mortality rate was 7.3%, with factors such as longer hospital stay, brain and lung injury, and cord injury associated with a higher risk of death. Patients with associate injuries (AOI) had a higher risk of death compared to those without AOI.
17: The study analyzed data from 127 patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) due to motor vehicle accidents (MVA) at Poursina Hospital, Iran between March 2015 and March 2018. The mean age of patients was 38.27 years, and 78% of the patients were male. Most accidents involved car/pickup truck collisions in urban areas with 48.8% of patients being car passengers and 32.3% being motorcyclists. SCIs were predominantly cervical and lumbar, with safety devices rarely used. The majority of patients had a Glasgow Comma Scale (GCS) of ≥13, and only a few had cardiovascular or respiratory diseases. Complications were rare, but pain was moderate. Good recovery was noted in 91.2% of patients upon discharge, with two patients being discharged with their consent.
18: The study aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of cervical spinal column and spinal cord injuries in patients admitted to Rajaee Trauma Hospital over a 30-month period. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted, and data was collected from the medical charts of 206 patients who had cervical spinal column and spinal cord injuries. The majority of patients were male (75.2%) with a mean age of 37.2±15.9 years. The most common site of fracture was C6 vertebra (29.1%), and the most commonly performed operation was anterior decompression, fixation, and fusion (21.4%). Fifteen patients (7.3%) died during hospitalization, and 11 patients (5.3%) were released before completing recovery. Longer hospital stays, brain and lung injury, and cord injury were significantly associated with an increased risk of death. Additionally, C7 fracture was found to differ significantly between patients with and without associated injuries.
The six studies focused on traumatic spine injuries in different regions of Iran. The majority of patients in all studies were male, with a mean age in the late 30s, and the lumbar spine was the most commonly injured site. Traffic accidents were the most frequent mechanism of injury in four studies, while falls were the second most common cause. The incidence of spinal cord injury ranged from 2.63% to 49.6%, and the mortality rate varied from 2.3% to 7.3%. The treatment options varied depending on the injury, with non-operative management being the most common, followed by fixation and fusion procedures. A majority of patients showed good recovery upon discharge. The incidence of traumatic spinal cord injury in the Iranian population varied from 10.5 to 177 per million of population per year. Patients with associated injuries had a higher risk of mortality, and longer hospital stays, brain and lung injury, and cord injury were significantly associated with increased risk of death. Finally, the cost of treatment was significantly higher in private hospitals compared to public ones."