Zinc Concentration Dynamics Indicate Neurological Impairment Odds after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Antioxidants, 2020 · DOI: 10.3390/antiox9050421 · Published: May 13, 2020

Simple Explanation

Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (TSCI) often results in loss of motor and sensory function due to pathological processes, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Zinc (Zn) plays a crucial role as part of the antioxidant defense system during the secondary injury phase after TSCI. This study aims to determine dynamic patterns in serum Zn concentration in patients with TSCI and test for a correlation with neurological impairment. Serum samples were collected at multiple points in time after injury, and patients were divided into groups based on neurological impairment. The study found that early changes in Zn concentration differed based on the outcome and could be a diagnostic indicator for patients with spinal cord trauma. These findings support strategies for improving patient care by avoiding strong deficits via adjuvant nutritive measures.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

42 patients with TSCI, 9 subjects with vertebral fractures without neurological impairment

Evidence Level

Level 3; Clinical Observational Study

Key Findings

1
The median Zn concentrations in the study group dropped significantly within the first 9 hours after injury, with a more substantial decline compared to control subjects.
2
Binary logistic regression analysis, including the difference in serum Zn concentration from admission to 9 hours after injury, showed a strong correlation with persistent neurological impairment.
3
Early Zn concentration dynamics differed concerning the outcome, suggesting its potential as a helpful diagnostic indicator for patients with spinal cord trauma.

Research Summary

This study investigated the dynamics of serum zinc concentrations in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) and their correlation with neurological impairment. Serum samples were collected at various time points after injury, and patients were divided into groups based on neurological outcomes. The study revealed that serum zinc concentrations in patients with neurological impairment decreased significantly within the first 9 hours after injury, with a more pronounced decline compared to controls. Furthermore, these early zinc concentration dynamics showed a strong predictive value for persistent neurological impairment. The findings suggest that monitoring serum zinc levels could provide a valuable diagnostic tool for assessing the risk of neurological impairment in TSCI patients and highlight the potential benefits of early adjuvant nutritional support to prevent severe zinc deficiencies.

Practical Implications

Diagnostic Tool

Early monitoring of serum Zn levels can aid in assessing the risk of neurological impairment in TSCI patients, especially in unresponsive individuals.

Nutritional Support

Adjuvant nutritional strategies to prevent strong Zn deficiencies may improve neuronal regeneration outcomes.

Therapeutic Strategies

The study supports the concept of diﬀerential immune manipulation based on Zn metabolism as a therapeutic approach for patients with TSCI.

Study Limitations

1
Relatively small patient groups, especially when compared to other types of human injuries.
2
The serum Zn concentrations, which may not necessarily reﬂect the intracellular and physiologically relevant Zn status.
3
The data acquired are from an observational study only and are not suitable for deducing mechanistic insights.

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