Serum levels of vitamins A, C, and E in persons with chronic spinal cord injury living in the community.
OBJECTIVE
To determine serum levels of vitamins A, C, and E among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) living in the community, to compare these levels with general population norms, and to assess their association with demographic and injury-related data (age at onset, time since onset, level and completeness of injury), function, nutritional behaviors, and health status.


METHODS
Descriptive and correlational.


METHODS
General community.


METHODS
A total of 110 adults (> or =18y) with traumatic SCI of at least 2 years in duration living within a 13-county area in Texas.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Demographic information, age at onset, time since onset, American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) total motor index score, ASIA impairment score, assay of serum vitamins, FIM trade mark instrument motor items, Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile nutrition subscale, Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey general health subscale, and pressure ulcer occurrence in past 12 months.


RESULTS
Many (16%-37%) of the participants had serum levels below the reference range for each vitamin. Being older at onset or less impaired was associated with higher serum vitamin A levels. Higher levels of serum vitamin A also were related to better function and health status and with not having a pressure ulcer within the past 12 months. Being older or older at onset was associated with higher serum levels of vitamin E. No relationships with vitamin C were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin levels may be related to function, general health, and pressure ulcer incidence in persons with SCI. Further study is needed to determine effective interventions to improve vitamin levels and determine the effect of such improvements on overall health and rehabilitation outcomes.
Moussavi
Robabeh M
RM
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Garza
Hector M
HM
Eisele
Susan G
SG
Rodriguez
Gladys
G
Rintala
Diana H
DH
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000097:blood*
D014801:Vitamin A; D014810:Vitamin E; D001205:Ascorbic Acid