Burden of Cardiovascular Risk in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury and Its Association With Rehabilitation Outcomes Results From the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort

American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 2023 · DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000002276 · Published: December 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the cardiovascular risk burden in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) during rehabilitation and its relationship with recovery outcomes. The research found that a significant portion of SCI patients have a high cardiovascular risk profile upon rehabilitation discharge. Better respiratory function, mobility, and independence were associated with a better cardiovascular risk profile in these patients.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

706 adults with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Cohort study

Key Findings

1
One third of the cohort had high cardiovascular risk profile before discharge.
2
Higher respiratory function was associated with higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
3
Higher mobility and functional independence scores were associated with higher HDL levels.

Research Summary

The study determined the cardiovascular risk and cardiometabolic syndrome burden during initial inpatient rehabilitation for individuals with SCI. It explored longitudinal changes in rehabilitation outcomes, such as respiratory function and mobility. The study associated these rehabilitation outcomes with the cardiovascular risk profile before discharge from initial rehabilitation.

Practical Implications

Early Cardiometabolic Screening

Early cardiometabolic screening should be considered before rehabilitation discharge, especially for those at risk.

Prioritize Screening

Individuals with lower mobility scores and lower respiratory ventilation should be prioritized for cardiovascular screening.

Improve CVD Prediction Models

Rehabilitation outcomes may be useful to improve current cardiovascular disease (CVD) prediction models in the SCI population.

Study Limitations

1
Cross-sectional study prone to reverse causation
2
Lack of SCI-specific cutoffs for rehabilitation outcomes
3
Enrollment bias, underreporting of women, older people, and those with lower functional independence

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