Progress 2010-2011

Background 

The UK Spinal Cord Injury Research Network (UKSCIRN) was launched in March 2003 to promote and encourage multi-centre clinical research and so improve the health care and well being of all patients with spinal injuries.  Our Network was originally funded from the Priorities and Needs framework and then through our local Thames Valley Comprehensive Research Network (TVCLRN) until April 2011. We  are currently in discussions with potential funders and have residue funds to take us to September 2011.

Funding for research projects have been supported through our own funding, the NHS and partner charity organisations following five bidding rounds between 2003 and 2009 with some studies accepted onto the National Portfolio. Projects were advertised through the UKSCIRN website, NHS websites including RdInfo and direct contact with professional groups. Submissions were peer reviewed by the UKSCIRN Scientific Committee.

Progress  20010/11

The UKSCIRN funding call in August 2009 resulted in awards to 3 collaborative projects totalling £77,154[1]as announced in our report last year. SCI117 commenced in August 2010 and SCI18 now has participation agreed by both Sheffield and Stanmore pending local approvals.  SCI19 is now completed.

PROJECTS

SCI17 Improving Outcome after Spinal Cord Injury by Monitoring and Reducing High Cord Pressure, Lead Researcher: Mr Marios Papadopoulos, St Georges University of London, Co-applicants: Mr David Choi, Mr Kia Rezajooi,Participating Centres: St George’s Hospital, London, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Kings College Hospital, London  Funding: £58,996, Duration: 18 months commencing March 2010, Aim: To test the hypothesis that after SCI bony realignment does not adequately decompress the cord

SCI18 The Impact and Effect of Vertebral Artery Trauma in Spinal Cord Injured Patients Lead Researcher: Dr David McKean, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Co-applicants: Mr Joy Roy Chowdhury, Dr Allison Graham,Participating Centres: Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries, RJAH Orthopaedic and District Hospital NHS Trust, NSIC, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Bucks Funding: £11,800, Duration: 12 months commencing Jan 2010, Aim: To learn more about the risk of injury to the vertebral arteries and the risk of stroke in patients with spinal cord injury.

SCI19 Understanding the Well-being and Care of Persons with Spinal Cord Injury in an Isolation Ward as a Result of Pressure Sores Lead Researcher: Dr Brett Smith, Loughborough University, Co-applicants Professor Paul Kennedy, Ms Helen Smith, Participating Centres: NSIC, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, The London Spinal Injuries Unit, RNOH, Stanmore, Aim: To examine the psychological well-being of persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) in an isolation ward as a result of pressure sores, Funding: £6,358 Duration: 12 months commencing March 2010

In September 2010 UKSCIRN recruited a full-time Clinical Scientist whose primary aim is to develop ideas suitable for collaborative grant applications.  Shakeeb Moosavi, PhD came to us from Imperial College and has a background in Respiratory Physiology, Neuroscience, and a track record in achieving grants, most recently from the BHF.

In January 2010 UKSCIRN submitted a bid for the NIHR RfPB (Competition 14) for the project Evaluation of Current Standards of Renal Surveillance in Spinal Cord Injury using Low Dose CT. The duration for this project is 2 years with planned participation by SMH, Sheffield, Oswestry and one other (tba). The final outcome is expected in July 2011.

During 2010 to the current date UKSCIRN have engaged with Specialised Commissioning Groups alongside UK specialists as invited guest on the National Spinal Cord Injury Strategy Board.  UKSCIRN are working with Fiona Barr’s Information Management Subgroup Committee on the development of a National Database for Spinal Cord Injury.

Recent Progress

UKSCIRN have also been preparing a bid to the MRC Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) for the projectBone Loss after Spinal Cord Injury: Does Prevention of Early Bone Loss with Denosumab Abolish or Delay Osteoporosis? This project has the support of the UCL Clinical Trials Unit and planned participation by RNOH, SMH, RJAH and Salisbury.

UKSCIRN have facilitated the development of evidence based national clinical guidelines for The Management of Upper Limb Function in Tetraplegia.  Mr Pradeep Thumbikat and Mr K Mathew are jointly chairing the expert panel which has met three times since March 2011 (once by teleconference) and expects to complete early to mid 2012. 

Dr Tom Meagher completed his two terms as Chair of UKSCIRN in March this year and has lead our Network to an improved position and strengthened infrastructure. Mr Martin McClelland was elected as new Chair from April 2011. UKSCIRN will benefit from Mr McClelland’s valuable experience during this important period of transition.

UKSCIRN Membership. UKSCIRN are calling for expressions of interest for a BASCIS representative to replace Mr El Masry as he is to be elected as academic member  after completing two terms as a BASCIS representative. Committee members should serve a term of four years and a maximum of two terms except for the membership of academic members which may be reviewed after 2 terms. Meetings are aminimum of three times a year, one of which should be face to face.

Sally Henry

Programme Manager UKSCIRN