Acute Cardiopulmonary Management of Patients With Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries

Publication Date: February 28, 2013
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

RECOMMENDATIONS

Management of patients with an acute cervical spinal cord injury in an intensive care unit or similar monitored setting is recommended. (Level III)
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Use of cardiac, hemodynamic, and respiratory monitoring devices to detect cardiovascular dysfunction and respiratory insufficiency in patients following acute spinal cord injury is recommended. (Level III)
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Correction of hypotension in spinal cord injury (systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg) when possible and as soon as possible is recommended. (Level III)
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Maintenance of mean arterial blood pressure between 85 and 90 mm Hg for the first 7 days following an acute spinal cord injury is recommended. (Level III)
318512

Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Acute Cardiopulmonary Management of Patients With Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries

Authoring Organization

Publication Month/Year

February 28, 2013

Last Updated Month/Year

June 22, 2023

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

The purpose of the current review is to update the medical evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves and to address the following questions:

  • Do patients with acute spinal cord injuries benefit from ICU cardiac, hemodynamic, and pulmonary monitoring and care?

  • Does blood pressure management influence neurological outcome in patients with acute cervical SCI?

Target Patient Population

Patients with acute spinal cord injuries

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Male, Adolescent, Adult, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Emergency care, Hospital

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Assessment and screening, Diagnosis, Management, Treatment

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D013116 - Spinal Cord, D015924 - Blood Pressure Monitors, D013119 - Spinal Cord Injuries, D000074743 - Hemodynamic Monitoring, D007362 - Intensive Care Units

Keywords

blood pressure, spinal cord injury, respiratory insufficiency

Source Citation

Neurosurgery, Volume 72, Issue suppl_3, March 2013, Pages 84–92, https://doi.org/10.1227/NEU.0b013e318276ee16