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Study DesignCross-sectional study.ObjectivesDetermine clinical factors associated with plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) in persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI).SettingVeterans Affairs Medical Center in Boston, MA.MethodsParticipants provided a blood sample, completed a respiratory health questionnaire, and underwent dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess total and regional body fat. Linear regression models were used to assess cross-sectional associations with plasma CRP.ResultsIn multivariable models, factors associated with a higher CRP included a greater BMI, urinary catheter use, a respiratory illness in the past week, and non-white race. Mean CRP also increased with decreasing mobility (motorized wheel chair >hand propelled wheel chair > walk with an assistive device > walk independently). Results were similar when adjusting for % android, gynoid, trunk, or total fat mass in place of BMI. Level and completeness of SCI was not associated with CRP in multivariable models.ConclusionsClinical characteristics common in chronic SCI are associated with plasma CRP. These factors are more important than level and completeness of SCI and some are potentially modifiable.

Adjusted and unadjusted for a number of confounders, there was no significant association between plasma vitamin D levels and FEV, FVC, or FEV/FVC. For example, in fully adjusted models, each 10 ng/ml increase in vitamin D was associated with a 4.4 ml (95%CI -64.4, 73.2, P = 0.90) ml change in FEV Conclusion: There was no significant cross-sectional association between plasma vitamin D and FEV, FVC, or FEV/FVC in this cohort of individuals with chronic SCI.

Plasma 25(OH)D level in chronic SCI is not associated with clinical factors specific to SCI such as injury level and completeness, injury duration, and mobility mode, but related to supplement intake and other lifestyle factors.