Abstract
Study design
Global mapping project of ISCoS for traumatic spinal cord injury (T-SCI) highlighted paucity of data from low and middle income countries (LMICs). Recognizing this gap, IDAPP study of one year duration was proposed as the first step to develop an International SCI database.
Objectives
Primary objective was to assess database variables, processes involved and web platform for their suitability with a view to provide guidance for a large scale global project. Secondary objective was to capture demographic and selected injury/safety data on patients with T-SCI with a view to formulate prevention strategies.
Setting
Nine centers from Asia.
Methods
All patients with T-SCI admitted for first time were included. International SCI Core Data Set and especially compiled Minimal Safety Data Set were used as data elements. Questionnaire was used for feedback from centers.
Results
Results showed relevance and appropriateness of processes, data variables and web platform of the study. Ease of entering and retrieval of data from web platform was confirmed. Cost of one year IDAPP study was USD 7780. 975 patients were enrolled. 790 (81%) were males. High falls (n = 513, 52%) as a cause and complete injuries (n = 547, 56%) were more common. There was a higher percentage of thoracic and lumbar injuries (n = 516, 53%).
Conclusions
The study confirms that establishing the SCI database is possible using the variables, processes and web platform of the pilot study. It also provides a low cost solution. Expansion to other centers/regions and including non-traumatic SCI would be the next step forward.
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Acknowledgements
We acknowledge the contributions of the Advisory Committee members including Bonne Lee, Michael Fitzharris, David Berlowitz, Fin Biering Sorensen, Marcel Post, Vanessa Noonan, James Middleton, Herndon Murray, Raymond Cripps, and Yuying Chen in conceptualization (including finalizing the Minimal Safety Data Set) and implementation of the project. Their contribution towards the finalization of this manuscript is also acknowledged.
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Chhabra, H.S., Sachdeva, G., Kovindha, A. et al. International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) database: Asian Spinal Cord Network (ASCoN) Pilot Project [IDAPP]. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 4, 45 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-018-0076-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-018-0076-5
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