FEV1 and FVC and systemic inflammation in a spinal cord injury cohort

This study explores the connection between inflammation in the body and lung function in people with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Individuals with SCI often experience systemic inflammation and reduced lung function. The study found that higher levels of certain inflammatory markers (CRP and IL-6) were linked to lower lung function (FEV1 and FVC) in people with SCI. This suggests that inflammation might negatively impact lung health in this population. The findings remained consistent even after considering other factors like age, injury severity, and smoking habits, strengthening the idea that inflammation plays a significant role in reduced lung function among individuals with chronic SCI.

• 1
  Plasma CRP and IL-6 were inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC in individuals with chronic SCI.
• 2
  Each interquartile range (5.91 mg/L) increase in CRP was associated with a significant decrease in FEV1 (−55.85 ml; 95% CI: -89.21, −22.49) and decrease in FVC (−65. 50 ml; 95% CI: -106.61, −24.60).
• 3
  Similar significant findings were observed for IL-6, indicating its role in reduced pulmonary function.