Aim: A retrospective study of cases of childhood spinal compression over a 30-year period (1963-1992) was undertaken in order to determine the trend in incidence, aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Patients and Methods: The study includes children less than 15 years of age who were treated for spinal compression at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Maitland Cottage Hospital and Groote Schuur Hospital. Children who had tuberculosis of the spine without a neurological deficit, were excluded. The study also excludes dysraphism and non-compressive causes of paraplegia, such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome and poliomyelitis.

The internal vertebral venous plexus (IVVP) is an extensive vascular network recently implicated in various human and canine spinal disorders. Nevertheless, little recent information is available regarding normal anatomy of canine IVVP and its role in acute spinal injuries. The objectives of the study were; (1) to describe the normal IVVP morphology in the canine cervical region using transverse anatomy sections and computed tomography (CT), (2) to develop a technique for CT examination of the IVVP in vivo, (3) to analyze the quantitative characteristics of the IVVP, and (4) to assess the effect of acute experimental spinal cord compression on IVVP morphology. In the first experiment, CT of the cervical vertebral canal was performed in 6, normal, adult mixed-breed dogs. After dogs were euthanized, a gelatin and iothalamate mixture was injected into the right external jugular vein. Cadavers were then frozen to â 8°C, sliced into transverse sections, and compared with CT images. Vascular components such as the IVVP, interarcuate veins, intervertebral veins, and vertebral veins were accurately depicted on CT images. In the second experiment, CT venography was performed using a biphasic IV injection of iodinated contrast medium. Dimensions of the IVVP and other vertebral canal components were calculated for the C3-C7 vertebral region. Sagittal diameters of the IVVP ranged from 0.6 mm to 3.2 mm. The IVVP area occupied 30.61% of the cervical vertebral epidural space area. When C3-C7 segments were considered as a group, IVVP area dimensions were significantly correlated (r > 0.7, p < 0.0001) with vertebral canal area and dural sac area. In the last experiment, acute spinal cord compression (ASCC) was induced and maintained for 10 minutes using an angioplasty balloon catheter device over the C3/4 vertebral region in 6 dogs. Dogs were evaluated prior to, during, and after compression using digital subtraction venography (DSV) and CT venography. Results showed that ASCC produced a significant change in diameter of the IVVP at the site of compression. This effect persisted during the post-compression period. In conclusion, findings indicate that CT venography and DSV accurately depict the IVVP in dogs, and that significant changes of the IVVP morphology occur under ASCC conditions. / Ph. D.

Introduction This thesis describes a research study designed to examine the consequences of disability arising out of spinal cord compression secondary to cancer, and to examine the rehabilitation services available to patients. Research aims and questions The study was intended to achieve the following: 1. To ascertain what might constitute effective rehabilitation interventions for patients with metastatic spinal cord compression. 2. To identify the conditions in which these intervention might be delivered. 3. To ground proposals in spinal cord compression patients’ experience of disability. The following research questions were posed: 1. What are the consequences of disability for patients with metastatic spinal cord compression? 2. What strategies do patients themselves use to manage disability? 3. What do health care staff, particularly rehabilitation professionals, understand to be the consequences of disability for this patient group, and correspondingly, what are their views on the significance and provision of rehabilitation? 4. To what extent is rehabilitation being provided to these patients, and with what effect? 5. Where rehabilitation is not being provided, why is this the case? Study design The study had two components: • A series of nine in-depth interview-based case studies, which involved talking to patients about their experiences of living with spinal cord compression, as well as gaining the perspectives of family members and the health professionals who provided care and services. • A retrospective audit of the medical records of 73 spinal cord compression patients admitted to a radiotherapy in-patient unit (the Frank Ellis Unit at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford) over a two year period (July 2003 – June 2005), identifying disability-related problems and the measures taken to address them. This was a Phase I modelling study in terms of the Medical Research Council’s framework for evaluating complex interventions, with Pawson and Tilley’s (1997) Context-Mechanism-Outcome configuration adopted as a conceptual basis for data collection. Within-case analysis was informed by George and Bennett’s (2004) account of process tracing, and between-case analysis was modelled on the constant comparative method of Glaser and Strauss (1967) with an analysis of narrative as a variation on that theme. Results Disability is a serious problem for patients with spinal cord compression, but it is one problem among many others, not the least of which are the physical and emotional consequences of life-threatening illness. In response to disability, patients ‘twin-track’ their attitudes to it, acknowledging but also resisting the idea of themselves as disabled, and adopting a series of psychological devices to manage the tension. In effect, patients recognise that something significant has changed and that, as a consequence, new self-management skills must be learned, functional boundaries must be explored, useful information must be sought. At the same time, they display a determination to hold on to an established identity, associated with a sense of normality. This identity embraces the idea of competence and resourcefulness, the events, activities and pleasures that one looks forward to, and the wish to avoid burdening others. It is not a ‘disabled’ identity. To some extent, these two attitudes are in tension, as one acknowledges disability while the other, implicitly or explicitly, resists it. Consequently, patients try to find ways of resolving this tension, by ‘revising downwards’ their expectations, by constantly deferring the anticipated pleasures, and by avoiding situations in which their abilities might be put to the test, or the sense of normality be disconfirmed. Health care professionals are likely to construe the patient’s response as indicative of a certain type of character – ‘realistic’ on one hand, and ‘unrealistic’ on the other. They do not see ‘acknowledging / not acknowledging’ as twin facets of a complex response to circumstances, or as something which every patient engages in to one degree or another. Patients are motivated not to recognise rehabilitation as something they need, a view which is confirmed by the cursory form of rehabilitation experienced in hospital, and by the marginal significance attributed to it by nursing and medical staff. On discharge, hospital staff assume that rehabilitation needs will be identified in the community, although the way in which community rehabilitation services are organised virtually guarantees that this will not happen, unless a specific referral is made (as it is in only 5% of cases). The patient, meanwhile, remains unaware of the potential value of rehabilitation, and has no incentive to request rehabilitation if no-one offers it. They are consequently unprepared for life post-discharge, and assume that they (and their families) must manage on their own. Conclusions Like the patients, health care professionals may have to ‘twin-track’ if they are to provide rehabilitation in a way that is acceptable to patients with metastatic spinal cord compression. Instead of categorising patients as ‘realistic’ or ‘unrealistic’, they should work towards sustaining patients’ ‘positive illusions’, while at the same time taking whatever opportunities arise to enhance the patient’s day-to-day ability to function in a ‘safe’ space. This entails revising some deeply entrenched ideas about working with patients who have a disability: patient-centredness, the importance of goal setting, and the need for adjustment.

Background: Bone metastases occur in most patients with advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer causing pain, pathologic fractures, and spinal cord compression. Few studies specifically address surgical treatment of metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) in prostate cancer. Criteria for identifying patients who may benefit from surgery are poorly defined. Most of the current knowledge regarding tumor biology in prostate cancer is based on studies of primary tumors or soft tissue metastases. The mechanisms regulating growth of bone metastases are not fully established. Aims: a) to evaluate outcome after surgery for MSCC in prostate cancer and to identify prognostic factors for survival and functional recovery; b) to evaluate current practice for referral of prostate cancer patients with MSCC; c) to analyze expression of androgen receptor (AR), cell proliferation, apoptosis, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in bone metastases with regard to survival after surgery for complications of bone metastases. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the hospital records of 68 consecutive patients operated for metastatic spinal cord compression. Tumor tissue from bone metastases was obtained on spinal surgery (54 patients), fracture surgery (4 patients) and biopsy (2 patients), and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Study I: Mortality and complication rate after surgery was high. Patients with hormone-naïve disease and those with hormone-refractory disease with good performance status and without visceral metastases had more favorable survival. The ability to walk after surgery was related to better survival. Study II: A new score for prognosis of survival after surgery for spinal cord compression includes: hormone status of prostate cancer, Karnofsky performance status, evidence of visceral metastasis, and preoperative serum PSA. The score is simple, tumor specific, and easy to apply in clinical practice. Study III: Our results suggest that delays in diagnosis and treatment may have negative impact on functional outcome. Pretreatment ability to walk, hormone status of prostate cancer, and time from loss of ambulation influenced neurological recovery after surgery for spinal cord compression. Study IV: High nuclear AR immunostaining in bone metastases and high preoperative serum PSA were associated with a poor outcome after metastasis surgery in patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Short-term effect of castration therapy disclosed that nuclear AR immunostaining was decreased and apoptosis was increased, but cell proliferation remained largely unaffected. Conclusion:  Prostate cancer patients with metastatic spinal cord compression represent a heterogeneous group. We identified prognostic factors for survival and functional outcome, which may help clinicians in making decisions about treatment. Our results also implicate the need for development of local and regional guidelines for treatment of patients with spinal cord compression, as well as the importance of information to patients at risk.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2002. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 120-128).

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating disease which poses health problems in human and veterinary medicine. SCI causes neurological disability, with loss of motor, sensory and autonomic function. This study investigated the efficacy of local treatment with IKVAV-peptide on spinal cord regeneration following compression injury at T12 vertebra in Balb-c mice. IKVAV-peptide is a membrane spanning peptide known to have a long half-life and the peptide motif IKVAV. Thirty Blab-c female mice were used. Hemilaminectomy was performed at T12 and spinal cords were compressed using extradural application of a 24 g modified aneurysm clip for 1 min in the treatment groups. After 24 hours mice were treated with one of 4 different treatments including isoleucine-lysine-valine-alanine-valaine(IKVAV), IKVAVpeptide, peptide and mannitol (vehicle). Functional improvement was assessed every day using Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan (BBB) Locomotor Rating Scale. 28 days later, the mice were euthanized, and spinal cord segments were studied histologically. Statistical analysis, one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear regression model were used to measure some parameters and describe the outcome after SCI. Over a 4weeks period, IKVAV-peptide group demonstrated statistical and histological evidence of cellular reconstruction and behavioral improvement. The BBB score in the IKVAV-peptide group increased by 5.4 (25%) points, the IKVAV and peptide groups by approximately 1 point (5%) and the mannitol group by 4 points (19%). The number of protoplasmic astrocytes in the IKVAV-peptide group was significantly increased compared to IKVAV, mannitol and normal groups but not with the peptide group (p<0.001). Neuron and muscle bundle size were also increased significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.007, resp.) in the IKVAV-peptide group compared to other treatment groups. The treated control groups showed cellular and gross damages including neuron inactivation and muscle atrophy, gliosis and inability of movement. / Graduation date: 2013

A escala de Basso, Beattie e Brenahan (BBB) serve para avaliação da recuperação locomotora em ratos com lesão medular nos níveis torácicos. É baseada em critérios observacionais da movimentação do animal durante a marcha e atribui uma pontuação de 0 a 21 segundo a gravidade da lesão neurológica. Menor pontuação, maior gravidade. Tal escala pode ser aplicada de modo livre, em que o pesquisador observa o rato e emite uma nota; pode ser aplicada de modo dirigido, em que o pesquisador segue uma sequência de perguntas pré-estabelecidas e atribui uma nota; ou de modo automatizado, em que as respostas à mesma sequência de perguntas são fornecidas a um programa de computador, que emitirá uma nota com o grau de lesão. Trabalhos já publicados mostram que existe variação interobservadores na aplicação desta escala. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a utilização de um programa de computador para auxiliar os pesquisadores na atribuição de notas na aplicação da escala BBB e comparar as notas obtidas por esses pesquisadores quando o fazem de modo livre, dirigido e utilizando um programa automatizado. Para testar o programa, foi realizada lesão medular padronizada em 12 ratos Wistar utilizando-se metodologia da New York University - Impactor System. Na sequência, filmou-se a movimentação dos ratos para aplicação da escala BBB no 28o dia. Foram convocados oito pesquisadores do laboratório de estudos de trauma raquimedular da Universidade de São Paulo. As avaliações de dois chefes do laboratório, com 15 anos de experiência na aplicação da escala, foram consideradas o padrão ouro na avaliação. Seis pesquisadores receberam as filmagens dos ratos com o objetivo de aplicar a escala BBB nas três metologias: livre, dirigida e automatizada, com 15 dias de intervalo entre as avaliações. A ordem da aplicação da escala foi randomizada entre os pesquisadores e a ordem dos ratos, nas análises das filmagens, também foi variada para evitar a memorização por parte dos pesquisadores. Os resultados interavaliadores e entre os métodos mostraram-se similares. A comparação dos resultados entre os seis pesquisadores e os dois considerados padrão ouro mostrou diferença para dois pesquisadores nos métodos livre e dirigido. Concluiu-se que a aplicação da escala BBB pelo modo automatizado não apresentou diferença em relação ao padrão ouro para todos os avaliadores, e que, quando feita pelo modo livre, dirigido e automatizado, não apresentou diferença em relação ao padrão ouro, considerando a média dos avaliadores em cada método / The BBB is an evaluation scale in the locomotor recovery in rats presenting thoracic medullar injury. It is based on observation criteria of animal movement while walking, and a provides a score ranging from 0 to 21 according to the severity of the neurological injury. The lower the score, the higher the severity. Such scale can be applied by using a free system of analysis, that is, when the researcher observes the rat and gives a score. The evaluation can also be made in an assisted way, where the researcher follows a series of pre-established questions and then gives a score,or in an automated manner, where the answers to the same sequence of questions are provided to a computer program, which provides a score with the degree of injury. Published research shows that there is a interobserver variation in the scale application The objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of a computer program for helping researchers in the scoring by the BBB scale, and comparing these grades obtained when they are making a free evaluation, in an assisted evaluation and while using a computer program. In order to test the program, a standardized spinal cord injury was performed in 12 Wistar rats in accordance with the methodology proposed by the New York University - Impactor System. Then, the rat movements were filmed on the 28th day, so that the Basso, Bettie and Bresnahan scale could be applied. Eight researchers working in the spinal cord injury laboratory in the University of São Paulo were invited for the study. Two heads of the laboratory, with a fifteen year-experience in the usage and application of the scale, were considered to be gold standard in the evaluation. Six researchers were shown the films and asked to apply the BBB scale by the three methodologies: free, assisted and computerized, with a fifteen-day interval between evaluations. The scale application order was randomized among the researchers as well as the order of the rats in the film analysis so as to avoid memorization on the part of the researchers. Results proved to be similar between researchers and methods. The comparison of results among the six researchers and the gold standard ones showed discrepancies in two of the researchers in the free and assisted methods of analysis. It was concluded that the BBB scale evaluated through the computer method was no different than the gold standard for all the researchers. When the analysis was performed using the free, assisted and computer-assisted methods, no difference was observed in relation to the gold standard considering the mean values in each method

Material und Methode: In einer retrospektiven Analyse wurden die Daten von 53 konsekutiven Patienten, 31 Männer und 22 Frauen, mit klinisch oder röntgenologisch präsenten metastatischen epiduralen Spinalkanalkompression ausgewertet. Das mediane Alter war 60 Jahre. Als Primärtumor waren Bronchialkarzinome (13 Patienten), Mammakarzinome (10) und Prostatakarzinome (10) am häufigsten zu finden. Ergebnisse: Die Therapieergebnisse hinsichtlich der Schmerzlinderung waren mit der Literatur vergleichbar (Ansprechrate= 66%). Als wichtigster prognostischer Faktor hinsichtlich der Gehfähigkeit hat sich der prätherapeutische Status erwiesen. Patienten, die Anfang der Therapie gehfähig waren, blieben in 94% der Fälle auch gehfähig, während nur ein Patient seine Gehfähigkeit bis Ende der Therapie wiedergewann (p< 0,001). Im Chi-Quadrat Test war auch der diagnosestellende Arzt prognostisch relevant: Patienten, deren Diagnose durch einen onkologisch tätigen Arzt gestellt wurde, hatten eine höhere Chance gehfähig zu bleiben (p=0,04). Das Gesamtüberleben (8 Monate median, Range 1-27 Monate ) entsprach den Literaturangaben. Nicht ambulante Patienten und Patienten mit Bronchialkarzinom hatten eine signifikant schlechtere Prognose (p / Materials and Methods: therapy charts of 53 consecutive patients, 31 male and 22 female, with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression treated with radiation therapy only have been analyzed. Median age was 60 ys. The most frequent primary tumours were bronchogenic carcinoma (13 patients), breast cancer (10 patients) and prostate cancer (10 patients),respectively.Results: MRI was the most sensitive diagnostic tool in detecting spinal cord compression. Plain X-ray films were not useful.Pain symptoms improved in 66% of the patients. The most important prognostic factor was the pretreatment mobility status. 94% of the ambulatory patients kept their walking ability but only one plegic patient could walk again after radiation therapy. (p=0.001) Patients whose back pain was presented to an oncologist were more likely to keep walking ability by the end of the therapy. (p=0.04) Patients with bronchogenic cancer and plegic patients had a significant worse survival. Conclusion: Patients with a known malignant tumor and progressive or axial back pain should undergo MRI scan to rule out spinal cord compression. For patients without severe neuorologic deficit and MRI proven epidural compression radiation therapy is able to preserve walking ability and reduce pain. General practitioners and patients should be informed about the symptoms and the therapeutic and diagnostic possibilities of spinal cord dompression.

A escala de Basso, Beattie e Brenahan (BBB) serve para avaliação da recuperação locomotora em ratos com lesão medular nos níveis torácicos. É baseada em critérios observacionais da movimentação do animal durante a marcha e atribui uma pontuação de 0 a 21 segundo a gravidade da lesão neurológica. Menor pontuação, maior gravidade. Tal escala pode ser aplicada de modo livre, em que o pesquisador observa o rato e emite uma nota; pode ser aplicada de modo dirigido, em que o pesquisador segue uma sequência de perguntas pré-estabelecidas e atribui uma nota; ou de modo automatizado, em que as respostas à mesma sequência de perguntas são fornecidas a um programa de computador, que emitirá uma nota com o grau de lesão. Trabalhos já publicados mostram que existe variação interobservadores na aplicação desta escala. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a utilização de um programa de computador para auxiliar os pesquisadores na atribuição de notas na aplicação da escala BBB e comparar as notas obtidas por esses pesquisadores quando o fazem de modo livre, dirigido e utilizando um programa automatizado. Para testar o programa, foi realizada lesão medular padronizada em 12 ratos Wistar utilizando-se metodologia da New York University - Impactor System. Na sequência, filmou-se a movimentação dos ratos para aplicação da escala BBB no 28o dia. Foram convocados oito pesquisadores do laboratório de estudos de trauma raquimedular da Universidade de São Paulo. As avaliações de dois chefes do laboratório, com 15 anos de experiência na aplicação da escala, foram consideradas o padrão ouro na avaliação. Seis pesquisadores receberam as filmagens dos ratos com o objetivo de aplicar a escala BBB nas três metologias: livre, dirigida e automatizada, com 15 dias de intervalo entre as avaliações. A ordem da aplicação da escala foi randomizada entre os pesquisadores e a ordem dos ratos, nas análises das filmagens, também foi variada para evitar a memorização por parte dos pesquisadores. Os resultados interavaliadores e entre os métodos mostraram-se similares. A comparação dos resultados entre os seis pesquisadores e os dois considerados padrão ouro mostrou diferença para dois pesquisadores nos métodos livre e dirigido. Concluiu-se que a aplicação da escala BBB pelo modo automatizado não apresentou diferença em relação ao padrão ouro para todos os avaliadores, e que, quando feita pelo modo livre, dirigido e automatizado, não apresentou diferença em relação ao padrão ouro, considerando a média dos avaliadores em cada método / The BBB is an evaluation scale in the locomotor recovery in rats presenting thoracic medullar injury. It is based on observation criteria of animal movement while walking, and a provides a score ranging from 0 to 21 according to the severity of the neurological injury. The lower the score, the higher the severity. Such scale can be applied by using a free system of analysis, that is, when the researcher observes the rat and gives a score. The evaluation can also be made in an assisted way, where the researcher follows a series of pre-established questions and then gives a score,or in an automated manner, where the answers to the same sequence of questions are provided to a computer program, which provides a score with the degree of injury. Published research shows that there is a interobserver variation in the scale application The objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of a computer program for helping researchers in the scoring by the BBB scale, and comparing these grades obtained when they are making a free evaluation, in an assisted evaluation and while using a computer program. In order to test the program, a standardized spinal cord injury was performed in 12 Wistar rats in accordance with the methodology proposed by the New York University - Impactor System. Then, the rat movements were filmed on the 28th day, so that the Basso, Bettie and Bresnahan scale could be applied. Eight researchers working in the spinal cord injury laboratory in the University of São Paulo were invited for the study. Two heads of the laboratory, with a fifteen year-experience in the usage and application of the scale, were considered to be gold standard in the evaluation. Six researchers were shown the films and asked to apply the BBB scale by the three methodologies: free, assisted and computerized, with a fifteen-day interval between evaluations. The scale application order was randomized among the researchers as well as the order of the rats in the film analysis so as to avoid memorization on the part of the researchers. Results proved to be similar between researchers and methods. The comparison of results among the six researchers and the gold standard ones showed discrepancies in two of the researchers in the free and assisted methods of analysis. It was concluded that the BBB scale evaluated through the computer method was no different than the gold standard for all the researchers. When the analysis was performed using the free, assisted and computer-assisted methods, no difference was observed in relation to the gold standard considering the mean values in each method

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2017-08-08T20:45:16Z No. of bitstreams: 1 daniellezacaronsantos.pdf: 1089910 bytes, checksum: c826630c6083dd96be8ff3a550b429b6 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-08-09T11:43:27Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 daniellezacaronsantos.pdf: 1089910 bytes, checksum: c826630c6083dd96be8ff3a550b429b6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-09T11:43:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 daniellezacaronsantos.pdf: 1089910 bytes, checksum: c826630c6083dd96be8ff3a550b429b6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-28 / A síndrome de compressão medular metastática (SCMM) é uma urgência oncológica. A independência funcional é uma das maiores preocupações dos indivíduos que enfrentam o processo de morrer. O nível funcional é um dos itens do índice prognóstico de Tokuhashi (IPT) que é uma ferramenta utilizada para nortear o tipo de tratamento para a SCMM de acordo com a sobrevida. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a sobrevida, a funcionalidade e os seus fatores associados em pacientes com SCMM de uma unidade de referência oncológica na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. O recrutamento dos casos foi através de busca ativa nas enfermarias das unidades hospitalares do serviço de referência em oncologia e/ou pesquisa no banco de dados dos atendimentos realizados pela equipe de fisioterapia, parte do sistema de prontuário e informação médica do serviço. Foi analisada a sobrevida de 163 pacientes e foi efetuada avaliação da capacidade funcional em até 48 horas após o diagnóstico da SCMM para 47 pacientes. A correlação entre ASIA e grau de dependência funcional foi calculada através do teste da correlação de Sperman. A diferença na pontuação da MIF de acordo com ASIA foi avaliada pelo teste de Kruskall-Wallis. As funções de sobrevida foram estimadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e o modelo de riscos proporcionais de Cox foi utilizado para avaliação prognóstica. A concordância entre o tempo de sobrevida observado e o estimado pelo IPT foi avaliada pelo coeficiente de Choen'sKappa. O tempo de sobrevida global foi de 4,54 meses (IC95%: 2,60-6,64). Os fatores prognósticos associados à sobrevida foram o estadiamento do câncer IV (HR:2,20; IC95%: 1,3-3,72) e III (HR:2,50; IC95%: 1,47-4,25), o atendimento de urgência (HR=1,7; IC95%: 1,18-2,26) e o KPS:80-100% (HR: 0,55; IC95%: 0,38-0,80) e 5070% (HR: 0,53; IC95%: 0,36-0,78). O valor preditivo positivo total do IPT foi de 55,8% e a concordância entre os tempos de sobrevida foi de 0,24 (p< 0,01). O grau de dependência funcional foi associado ao KPS, a ASIA, à capacidade de deambular, ao tempo de sobrevida e à cor da pele (p<0,05). Houve diferença na MIF (p= 0,04) e MIFmotor (p=0,01) segundo ASIA. A correlação entre MIF e ASIA foi de 0,35 (p<0,02) e entre esta e MIFmotor foi de 0,40 (p<0,01). O IPT pode auxiliar no manejo terapêutico da SCMM, considerando também o estadiamento o tipo do primeiro atendimento e o KPS apesar de necessária revisão dos seus parâmetros, além de auxiliar no planejamento da reabilitação. A MIF é apropriada para avaliar a funcionalidade na SCMM A reabilitação paliativa é indicada para esses pacientes e as estratégias devem estar aliadas ao prognóstico de sobrevida. / Metastatic spinal cord compression syndrome (MSCC) is an oncology emergency. Functional independence is a major concern for individuals facing the process of dying. The functional level is an item of Tokuhashi Prognostic Index (TPI), which is a tool used to guide the type of treatment for MSCC in accordance with survival. The aim of this study is to evaluate the survival, function and its associated factors patients with MSCC of an oncology reference unit in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The recruitment of cases on the search for diseases of hospital units of reference service in oncology and / or research without database of the consultations performed by physiotherapy team, part of the system of medical records and information of the service. The survival of 163 patients was analyzed and functional capacity evaluation was performed within 48 hours after the diagnosis of SCMM for 47 patients. The correlation between ASIA and functional dependence degree was calculated using the Sperman correlation test. The difference in FIM scores according to ASIA was assessed by the Kruskall-Wallis test. Survival functions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model was used for prognostic evaluation. The agreement between the observed survival time and the estimated TPI was evaluated by the Choen'sKappa coefficient. The overall survival time was 4.54 months (95% CI: 2.60-6.64). The prognostic factors associated with survival were cancer staging IV (HR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.3-3.72) and III (HR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.47-4.25) (HR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.18-2.26) and KPS: 80-100% (HR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.38-0.80) and 50-70% (HR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.36-0.78). The total positive predictive value of the TPI was 55.8% and the agreement between the survival times was 0.24 (p <0.01). The degree of functional dependence was associated with KPS, ASIA, gait ability, survival time and skin color (p <0.05). There was difference in FIM (p = 0.04) and FIM motor (p = 0.01) according to ASIA. IPT can help in the therapeutic management of MSCC, also considering staging the type of first care and KPS despite the necessary revision of its parameters, besides assisting in rehabilitation planning. MIF is appropriate for assessing functionality in MSCC Palliative rehabilitation is indicated for these patients and strategies should be combined with the prognosis of survival.