Complications during the inpatient rehabilitation period in neurological subjects a multicenter study

• Main Authors: Jakkrit Klaphajone, Pattra Wattanapan, Punjama Tunwattanapong, Wuttiganok Wangno, Vilai Kuptniratsaikul
• Other Authors: Siriraj Hospital
• Format: Article
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: Health Professions; Medicine
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/77096
• Institution: Mahidol University

Objective: To explore common complications in people with neurological conditions during rehabilitation admission. Methods: All neurological subjects, including those with stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), and traumatic brain injury, who were admitted for intensive and less-intensive rehabilitation programs during January to December 2012 were recruited. Both avoidable and unavoidable complications and related factors were assessed. Results: Among 1146 subjects, 65% was male with a mean age of 54.5 years. Almost 90% were admitted for intensive rehabilitation. The common avoidable complications that occurred were urinary tract infection (UTI) (12.8%), musculoskeletal pain (7.0%), neuropathic pain (2.3%), pneumonia (1.5%), and pressure injury (1.2%). Spasticity, which is an unavoidable complication, occurred in 2.1% of subjects. Older age, male gender, diagnosis of SCI, and longer stay were important factors related to complications. Conclusions: Most of the common complications during rehabilitation were avoidable complications, especially UTI and pain. A heightened level of awareness and vigilance should be exercised in older male subjects, those with prolonged hospital stay, and those with a diagnosis of SCI.