Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Pulmonary complications of SCI

1. What are the 3 most frequent pulmonary complications of SCI?
2. What are factors that contribute to pulmonary dysfunction in SCI?
3. What are predisposing factors to pulmonary complications in SCI?
4. What is the leading cause of death in long-term SCI patients?
5. In which side is respiratory complications most common in hospitalized SCI patients and why?

Answers:
1. Pneumonia, atelectasis, ventilatory failure.
2. Paralysis of respiratory muscles, loss of cough, injury to chest (rib fx), direct pulmonary injury (lung contusion).
3. Age, obesity, COPD, smoking.
4. Pneumonia.
5. Left sided complications are more common because the L mainstem bronchus is at a 40-50 degree angle therefore is harder to suction and tends to retain secretions.

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