Association between mobility mode and C-reactive protein levels in men with chronic spinal cord injury.
OBJECTIVE
To assess clinical determinants of systemic inflammation in persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey.


METHODS
Veterans Affairs medical center.


METHODS
As part of an epidemiologic study assessing SCI-related health conditions, 63 men with chronic SCI provided a blood sample and information regarding locomotive mode and personal habits.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP).


RESULTS
The mean +/- standard deviation age was 56+/-14y, and participants were assessed 21+/-13y after injury. Adjusting for heart disease, hypertension, and body mass index (BMI), the mean CRP in 12 motorized wheelchair users (5.11mg/L) was not significantly greater than 23 participants who used a manual wheelchair (2.19mg/L) (P=.085) but was significantly greater than the 17 who walked with an assistive device (1.41mg/L) (P=.005) and the 12 who walked independently (1.63mg/L) (P=.027). CRP was significantly greater in participants with obesity but was not related to age, smoking, or SCI level and severity. CRP was elevated in participants reporting a urinary tract infection (UTI) or pressure ulcer within a year, but adjustment for this did not account for the elevated CRP in motorized wheelchair users.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that CRP in chronic SCI is independently related to locomotive mode, BMI, and a history of pressure ulcers and UTI. It is suggested that future studies in SCI investigate whether modifying these factors influence systemic inflammation and cardiovascular health.
Morse
Leslie R
LR
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. lmorse4@partners.org
Stolzmann
Kelly
K
Nguyen
Hiep P
HP
Jain
Nitin B
NB
Zayac
Cara
C
Gagnon
David R
DR
Tun
Carlos G
CG
Garshick
Eric
E
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011336:Probability; D011782:Quadriplegia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D014910:Wheelchairs
D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein