Time of developing motor deficits before radiotherapy as a new and relevant prognostic factor in metastatic spinal cord compression: Final results ofa retrospective analysis

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to determine the prognostic valu e of the time of developing motor deficits before radiotherapy (RT) and to confirm our preliminary results by achieving statistical significance. Of 5 29 patients receiving spinal irradiation (1994-1998) 131 fulfilled the sele ction criteria. Three groups were formed according to time of developing mo tor deficits: 1-7 days (n = 51), 8-14 days (40), >14 days (40). Motor funct ion was graded before, 2 weeks and 3 months after RT. After 2 weeks, patien ts developing motor deficits for >14 days showed improvement more often tha n patients of the other groups (65 versus 32.5 and 4%, p < 0.001). After 3 months results were comparable (p < 0.001). A slower development of motor d eficits predicts a better functional outcome. Time of developing motor defi cits before RT is a relevant prognostic factor in metastatic spinal cord co mpression. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.