Study design: Experts opinions consensus.Objective: To develop a common strategy to document remaining autonomic neurologic function following spinal cord injury (SCI). Background and Rationale: The impact of a specific SCI on a person's neurologic function is generally described through use of the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of SCI. These standards document the remaining motor and sensory function that a person may have; however, they do not provide information about the status of a person's autonomic function. Methods: Based on this deficiency, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) commissioned a group of international experts to develop a common strategy to document the remaining autonomic neurologic function. Results: Four subgroups were commissioned: bladder, bowel, sexual function and general autonomic function. On-line communication was followed by numerous face to face meetings. The information was then presented in a summary format at a course on Measurement in Spinal Cord Injury, held on June 24, 2006. Subsequent to this it was revised online by the committee members, posted on the websites of both ASIA and ISCoS for comment and re-revised through webcasts. Topics include an overview of autonomic anatomy, classification of cardiovascular, respiratory, sudomotor and thermoregulatory function, bladder, bowel and sexual function. Conclusion: This document describes a new system to document the impact of SCI on autonomic function. Based upon current knowledge of the neuroanatomy of autonomic function this paper provides a framework with which to communicate the effects of specific spinal cord injuries on cardiovascular, broncho-pulmonary, sudomotor, bladder, bowel and sexual function.

A widespread occurrence of Ca +-dependent protein kinase was shown in various tissues and phyla of the animal kingdom. Phosphatidylserine appeared to be more effective than calmodulin in supporting the Ca2+-dependent phosphotransferase activity. The phospholipid-sensitive Ca2+-dependent protein kinase activity, distributed in both the cytosolic and particulate fractions, was not inhibited by trifluoperazine, a specific inhibitor of calmodulin-sensitive, Ca2+_ dependent reactions or processes. The enzyme activity levels, compared to those of cyclic AMP-dependent and cyclic GMPdependent protein kinases, were exceedingly high in certain tissues (such as brain and spleen) and exhibited a much-greater disparity among tissues. The Ka for Ca2+ was about 100 gM in the presence of phosphatidylserine; the value was as low as 2

Most men with spinal cord injury (SCI) are infertile. Erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and semen abnormalities contribute to the problem. Treatments for erectile dysfunction include phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intracavernous injections of alprostadil, penile prostheses, and vacuum constriction devices. In anejaculatory patients who wish to father children, semen retrieval is necessary. Penile vibratory stimulation is recommended as the first line of treatment. Patients who fail penile vibratory stimulation can be referred for electroejaculation. If this approach is not possible, prostate massage is an alternative. Surgical sperm retrieval should be considered as a last resort when other methods fail. Most men with SCI have a unique semen profile characterized by normal sperm count but abnormally low sperm motility. Scientific investigations indicate that accessory gland dysfunction and abnormal semen constituents contribute to the problem. Despite abnormalities, sperm from men with SCI can successfully induce pregnancy. In selected couples, the simple method of intravaginal insemination is a viable option. Another option is intrauterine insemination. The efficacy of intrauterine insemination increases as the total motile sperm count inseminated increases. In vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection are options in cases of extremely low total motile sperm count. Reproductive outcomes for SCI male factor infertility are similar to outcomes for general male factor infertility.

Sperm can be easily obtained nonsurgically from most men with spinal cord injury. Sufficient sperm are available for simple insemination procedures. A treatment algorithm based on our experience is presented.

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