Original Article
Spinal Cord (2006) 44, 106–112. doi:10.1038/sj.sc.3101793; published online 30 August 2005
Pediatric spinal cord injury in a subset of European countries
M Augutis1, R Abel2 and R Levi3
- 1Department of Public Health and Research, Sundsvall Hospital, Sundsvall, Sweden
- 2Orthopädische Universitätsklinik, Heidelberg-Schlierbach, Germany
- 3Karolinska Institute and Rehab Station Stockholm, Sweden
Correspondence: M Augutis, Department of Public Health and Research, Sundsvall Hospital, Sundsvall 851 86, Sweden
Abstract
Study design:
Postal survey.
Setting:
A total of 19 countries in Europe.
Objectives:
Firstly, to collect information about incidence and systems of care for pediatric spinal cord injury (pedSCI); including prevention, initial care and follow-up in a subset of European countries. Secondly, to initiate a network of involved professionals for exchange of information and development of research and care programs.
Methods:
A short semi-structured questionnaire was sent to respondents working with spinal cord injury (SCI) in 19 countries in Europe.
Results:
Only in Portugal and Sweden, is the incidence of pedSCI (fatal injuries included) established, that is 27 children/million children/year and 4.6 children/million children/year, respectively. For the other countries, the estimated incidence of pedSCI (nonfatal injuries) varied from 0.9 to 21.2 children/million children/year in the age group of 0–14 years. Although the incidence varies considerably, pedSCI is rare throughout Europe. The management differs between the countries depending on the age of the child and the local organization of health care.
Conclusions:
The survey confirms that pedSCI is rare. In order to establish high-quality standardized care, further integration of knowledge in this area is needed throughout Europe. The contacts initiated by this survey may be used to create an international network serving as a reference for health professionals, researchers and families, thereby possibly alleviating some of the unwanted variations of care identified in this study.
Keywords:
pediatric, spinal cord injury, incidence, system of care
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