Cardiometabolic Risk Profiles in Pre- Versus Postmenopausal Women With Spinal Cord Injury: Preliminary Findings

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2012 · DOI: 10.1310/sci1804-322 · Published: January 1, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Women's Health

Simple Explanation

This study looked at heart and metabolic health risks in women with spinal cord injuries, comparing those who were before menopause to those who were after menopause. The study found that after-menopause women with spinal cord injuries had similar heart health risks as after-menopause women without spinal cord injuries, especially with cholesterol and triglycerides. The results suggest that doctors may need to watch heart health more closely in women with spinal cord injuries who are going through or have gone through menopause.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

17 women with SCI (11 premenopausal, 6 postmenopausal)

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional study

Key Findings

1
Postmenopausal women with SCI had significantly higher triglyceride levels compared to premenopausal women (101.8 mg/dL vs 55.7 mg/dL, P = .01).
2
Postmenopausal women with SCI exhibited significantly higher total cholesterol (TC) levels compared to premenopausal women (191.6 mg/dL vs 158.3 mg/dL, P = .05).
3
LDL-C levels were significantly higher in postmenopausal women with SCI compared to premenopausal women (118.2 mg/dL vs 94.7 mg/dL, P = .05).

Research Summary

This study provides preliminary evidence that women with SCI may have comparable trends in CMR as those observed in nondisabled women of similar menopausal status. The study found that postmenopausal women with SCI had higher levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C compared to premenopausal women, mirroring trends observed in nondisabled women. The findings suggest that additional study and disease surveillance of this underrepresented population may be warranted, especially in the context of an earlier transition to menopause.

Practical Implications

Increased Surveillance

Heightened surveillance for cardiometabolic risk factors in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with SCI is indicated.

Guideline-Driven Interventions

Implementation of guideline-driven interventions for managing cardiometabolic risk in this population should be considered.

Further Research

Additional research is needed to understand the specific cardiometabolic risks in women with SCI, considering menopausal status.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size (n=17) limits subgroup comparisons.
2
Inability to control for confounders such as age, level of injury, and duration of injury.
3
BMI is an unstable predictor of CVD risk in the SCI population.

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