Acute traumatic spinal cord injury, 1993-2000A population-based assessment of methylprednisolone administration and hospitalization.
BACKGROUND
Administration of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MPSS) after acute traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is controversial. This study compared differences in acute care charge, hospital stay, and related variables as a function of MPSS receipt.


METHODS
Determinants of MPSS administration were examined after acute TSCI for South Carolina patients during the period 1993 to 2000 in a multivariate logistic regression model.


RESULTS
Administration of MPSS was documented for 48.7% of 1,227 randomly selected patients with TSCI. Patients admitted via trauma centers and emergency departments were more likely to receive MPSS (trama center level 1 odds ratio [OR], 4.06; 95% CI confidence interval [CI], 2.11-7.83; emergency department OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.20-2.23). Hospital charge and length of stay were significantly higher for MPSS recipients.


CONCLUSIONS
The study findings indicate MPSS use is associated with higher acute care charges and longer hospital stays. These findings suggest the need for outcome studies to assess the long-term benefits of MPSS administration.
McCutcheon
Ernest Parrish
EP
South Carolina Traumatic Head and Spinal Cord Injury Information System, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
Selassie
Anbesaw Wolde
AW
Gu
Ja Kook
JK
Pickelsimer
Emily Elisabeth
EE
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004363:Drug Utilization; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D017722:Hospital Charges / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008776:Methylprednisolone Hemisuccinate / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013022:South Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D008776:Methylprednisolone Hemisuccinate