Serum Lipid Profile in Subjects with Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

PLoS ONE, 2015 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115522 · Published: February 23, 2015

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science Endocrinology

Simple Explanation

This study looks at the relationship between spinal cord injury (SCI) and lipid profiles, which are measurements of fats in the blood like cholesterol and triglycerides. The study found that people with more severe SCI, particularly those with limited motor function or involvement of all limbs, tend to have lower levels of total cholesterol and HDL-c (the 'good' cholesterol). Compared to the general population, people with SCI tend to have lower levels of all types of fats in their blood.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

177 consecutive cases with traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Retrospective cohort study

Key Findings

1
Cases without preserved motor function (AIS A or B) had lower total and HDL cholesterol than the others.
2
Cases with all-limb involvement had lower total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol than those with only lower-limb involvement.
3
No association was found between lipid concentrations and time since injury.

Research Summary

The study examined serum lipid concentrations in subjects with traumatic SCI in relation to the degree of neurological involvement and time since injury, comparing them with values from a reference sample. A high degree of neurological involvement in SCI (anatomically higher lesions and AIS A or B) is associated with lower total cholesterol and HDL-c. SCI patients have lower serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-c, and LDL-c than the general population.

Practical Implications

Preventive Strategies

Control of lipids should be included within preventive strategies in SCI healthcare programs.

Promote Physical Activity

Promoting adequate physical activity and exploring the potential benefits of neuromuscular stimulation may improve lipid concentrations.

Dietary Monitoring

Close monitoring of dietary needs and specialist-driven corrections in response to lipid profile changes could prevent malnutrition.

Study Limitations

1
Cases were not evenly distributed across the neurological levels of injury and AIS.
2
Subjects’ weight was not collected in all cases.
3
Survival bias may have affected the analysis.

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