Vol 19, No 2 (2012)
How to do
Submitted: 2013-01-24
Published online: 2012-03-30
Autonomic dysreflexia: An important cardiovascular complication in spinal cord injury patients
Huseyin Gunduz, Duygu Fidan Binak
DOI: 10.5603/cj.23033
·
Cardiol J 2012;19(2):215-219.
Vol 19, No 2 (2012)
How to do
Submitted: 2013-01-24
Published online: 2012-03-30
Abstract
Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a life-threatening complication of spinal cord injury (SCI) at T6
or above that results in an uncontrolled sympathetic discharge in response to noxious stimuli. It
is a symptom complex characterized by a lethal rise in blood pressure with dangerous consequences.
Autonomic dysreflexia is often secondary to urological, gastrointestinal, or gynecological
problems or manipulations. Early recognition and prompt treatment of AD is vital to prevent
complications, including death. Its management starts primarily with its prevention. Easy measures
can avoid this high risk event, and physicians should be aware of the simple procedures and
the possible treatment cascade that could be undertaken. The purpose of this systematic review is
to review the clinical data on the mechanisms and pathophysiology of this condition and the
clinical evidence about the various strategies currently used to prevent and manage AD in the
SCI population; and to improve awareness of AD among cardiologists, family physicians and
medical personnel in the emergency department. (Cardiol J 2012; 19, 2: 215–219)
Abstract
Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a life-threatening complication of spinal cord injury (SCI) at T6
or above that results in an uncontrolled sympathetic discharge in response to noxious stimuli. It
is a symptom complex characterized by a lethal rise in blood pressure with dangerous consequences.
Autonomic dysreflexia is often secondary to urological, gastrointestinal, or gynecological
problems or manipulations. Early recognition and prompt treatment of AD is vital to prevent
complications, including death. Its management starts primarily with its prevention. Easy measures
can avoid this high risk event, and physicians should be aware of the simple procedures and
the possible treatment cascade that could be undertaken. The purpose of this systematic review is
to review the clinical data on the mechanisms and pathophysiology of this condition and the
clinical evidence about the various strategies currently used to prevent and manage AD in the
SCI population; and to improve awareness of AD among cardiologists, family physicians and
medical personnel in the emergency department. (Cardiol J 2012; 19, 2: 215–219)
Keywords
autonomic dysreflexia; hypertension; cardiovascular events
Title
Autonomic dysreflexia: An important cardiovascular complication in spinal cord injury patients
Journal
Cardiology Journal
Issue
Vol 19, No 2 (2012)
Pages
215-219
Published online
2012-03-30
Page views
1230
Article views/downloads
5907
DOI
10.5603/cj.23033
Bibliographic record
Cardiol J 2012;19(2):215-219.
Keywords
autonomic dysreflexia
hypertension
cardiovascular events
Authors
Huseyin Gunduz
Duygu Fidan Binak
About this article