Factors affecting the length of stay of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury in Tianjin, China

Abstract

Purpose

To describe the acute care length of stay (ACLOS) of adult patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in Tianjin, China, and identify the associated demographic and clinical factors.

Methods

TSCI patients admitted to a general hospital in Tianjin, China from 2004 to 2007 were identified. The predictor variables were demographic and clinical factors, including age, gender, etiology, level of injury, severity, associated injuries, surgery, and complications. The outcome variable was ACLOS. Multivariable linear regression analysis models were used to examine the association between predictor and outcome variables.

Results

This study included 631 TSCI patients. The mean ACLOS was 32.4 ± 37.7 days, with a range of 1–294 days. The median number of hospitalization days was 21 days. Admission to a suburban hospital surgery, urinary infection, poorer functional status, pressure ulcers, and associated injuries were significantly associated with ACLOS.

Conclusion

This study examined the effect of epidemiological and clinical factors on ACLOS in Tianjin, China. The factors that influenced the ACLOS were different from factors reported in other studies. More studies are needed in China to determine the effect of these factors on ACLOS in TSCI patients and to propose a predictive model.

Keywords:

• China
• Length of stay
• Spinal cord injury
• Trauma

Acknowledgements

We thank Dr Jiang Wenxue from Tianjin First Center Hospital, Dr Deng Shucai from Tianjin Hospital, Dr Zhang Xueli and Dr Tian Rong from Tianjin Union Medicine Centre, Dr Ni Dongkui from The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Dr Jiang Yi and Dr Jiang Han from Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Dr Wang Jinggui from Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of the Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Dr Li Chaoying and Dr Wang Yongqing from Tianjin Fourth Center Hospital, Dr Xian Ruliang from Tianjin Fifth Center Hospital, Dr Su Lianshu from Tianjin Baodi Hospital, Dr Ma Yucang from Tianjin Jixian People's Hospital, Dr Yuan Tongqiang from Tianjin Wuqing People's Hospital, Dr Liu Xibu from Tianjin Jinghai Hospital, Dr Bo Lianhong from the Tianjin Ninghe People's Hospital, for help in the collection of record data. This study was supported by the grants from Key Technology Foundation of Tianjin Health Bureau (07KG2), National Natural Science Foundation of China (81070982), National Natural Science Foundation of China (81201400) and Research Foundation of Tianjin Health Bureau (09kz104), Tianjin Research Program of Application Foundation and Advanced Technology (10JCZDJC18800).