Beyond the Spine: Exploring Mental Health Disorders in Spondylodiscitis.

Publication Title

J Clin Med

Authors

Julius Gerstmeyer, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, 550 17th Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
Anna Gorbacheva
Clifford Pierre, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, 550 17th Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98122, USAFollow
Neel Patel, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, 550 17th Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
Donald David Davis, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, 550 17th Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98122, USA
Tara Heffernan
Periklis Godolias
Tobias L Schulte
Thomas A Schildhauer
Amir Abdul-Jabbar, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, 550 17th Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98122, USAFollow
Rod J Oskouian, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, 550 17th Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98122, USAFollow
Jens R Chapman, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Swedish Medical Center, 550 17th Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98122, USAFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-12-2025

Keywords

washington; swedish; swedish neurosci

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Spondylodiscitis (SD) is a challenging and multifaceted condition with increasing incidences globally. Mental health disorders (MHDs) are well recognized for their negative impacts on outcomes. To our knowledge, the effects of MHDs on SD have not been studied. This study aims to assess the incidence of MHDs in patients hospitalized for SD, and their impact on 90-day all-cause readmission rates using the Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD). Methods: A retrospective analysis using the 2020 NRD was performed. Adult patients were selected by primary ICD-10 codes for SD. MHDs were defined by ICD-10 F-codes. Demographic and clinical data were extracted, and readmissions were identified using VisitLinks. Patients were stratified based on MHD presence, with statistical analyses conducted to identify independent risk factors for readmission. Results: Of a total of 6139 patients, 3771 (61.4%) had an MHD. The overall 90-day readmission rate was 35%, with MHD patients experiencing a significantly higher rate (36.1%). Substance-related disorders, particularly opioid (OR 1.187, p = 0.019) and alcohol use disorders (OR 1.310, p = 0.020), were independently associated with increased readmission risk. Although common, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and personality disorders were not significant predictors. Conclusions: MHDs are prevalent among SD patients and are associated with an increased risk of hospital readmission, particularly in those with substance-related disorders. Integrating mental health interventions into SD management may improve patient outcomes. This study is limited by the use of an administrative database, which may lead to potential under-reporting of clinical variables. Future research may explore targeted interventions to optimize care for this high-risk population.

Area of Special Interest

Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)

Area of Special Interest

Mental Health

Area of Special Interest

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Specialty/Research Institute

Behavioral Health

Specialty/Research Institute

Neurosciences

Specialty/Research Institute

Orthopedics

DOI

10.3390/jcm14061905