A clinical prediction model for long-term functional outcome after traumatic spinal cord injury based on acute clinical and imaging factors.

Authors

• Jefferson R Wilson
• Robert G Grossman
• Ralph F Frankowski
• Alexander Kiss
• Aileen M Davis
• Abhaya V Kulkarni
• James S Harrop
• Bizhan Aarabi
• Alexander Vaccaro
• Charles H Tator
• Marcel Dvorak
• Christopher I Shaffrey
• Susan Harkema
• James D Guest
• Michael G Fehlings

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-2012

Abstract

To improve clinicians' ability to predict outcome after spinal cord injury (SCI) and to help classify patients within clinical trials, we have created a novel prediction model relating acute clinical and imaging information to functional outcome at 1 year. Data were obtained from two large prospective SCI datasets. Functional independence measure (FIM) motor score at 1 year follow-up was the primary outcome, and functional independence (score ≥ 6 for each FIM motor item) was the secondary outcome. A linear regression model was created with the primary outcome modeled relative to clinical and imaging predictors obtained within 3 days of injury. A logistic model was then created using the dichotomized secondary outcome and the same predictor variables. Model validation was performed using a bootstrap resampling procedure. Of 729 patients, 376 met the inclusion criteria. The mean FIM motor score at 1 year was 62.9 (±28.6). Better functional status was predicted by less severe initial American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale grade, and by an ASIA motor score >50 at admission. In contrast, older age and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal characteristics consistent with spinal cord edema or hemorrhage predicted worse functional outcome. The linear model predicting FIM motor score demonstrated an R-square of 0.52 in the original dataset, and 0.52 (95% CI 0.52,0.53) across the 200 bootstraps. Functional independence was achieved by 148 patients (39.4%). For the logistic model, the area under the curve was 0.93 in the original dataset, and 0.92 (95% CI 0.92,0.93) across the bootstraps, indicating excellent predictive discrimination. These models will have important clinical impact to guide decision making and to counsel patients and families.

Volume

29

Issue

13

First Page

2263

Last Page

2271

ISSN

1557-9042

Published In/Presented At

Wilson, J. R., Grossman, R. G., Frankowski, R. F., Kiss, A., Davis, A. M., Kulkarni, A. V., Harrop, J. S., Aarabi, B., Vaccaro, A., Tator, C. H., Dvorak, M., Shaffrey, C. I., Harkema, S., Guest, J. D., & Fehlings, M. G. (2012). A clinical prediction model for long-term functional outcome after traumatic spinal cord injury based on acute clinical and imaging factors. Journal of neurotrauma, 29(13), 2263–2271. https://doi.org/10.1089/neu.2012.2417

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

22709268

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article