Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Spinal and Orthopedic Trauma in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Background: Trauma is a common cause of mortality and disability in humans, occurring in various parts of the body. Objectives: Given the importance of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this study was conducted with the aim of determining the clinical characteristics and outcomes of spinal and orthopedic traumas in patients with RA. Methods: In this study, patients admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital from the beginning of 2022 to the end of 2024 due to spinal cord injury and/or orthopedic trauma were enrolled. To collect data, researchers, by studying other published articles, designed a researcher-made checklist. This checklist contained patients’ demographic information as well as questions regarding spinal cord injuries, orthopedic injuries, and common injuries, which were completed as yes/no responses. Quantitative data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests, entered into SPSS 16 software. Results: According to the findings, out of 155 patients with RA, 36 patients were hospitalized due to SCI, 91 patients due to orthopedic trauma, and 28 patients due to orthopedic and SCI trauma. According to the findings, a significant relationship was observed between the type of trauma and the mortality status of the patients. In such a way that in patients with RA who were hospitalized due to orthopedic and SCI, the mortality rate was higher than in other patients. There was also a correlation between infection and VAP in patients with mortality, and the mortality rate in patients with infection and VAP was higher than in other patients. Conclusions: Given that the mortality rate in patients with both orthopedic trauma and spinal cord trauma is higher than in other patients, it is essential that these patients be given higher priority.