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).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Veterans Affairs medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

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.

INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: 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.