Clinical Factors Associated with C - Reactive Protein in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVES: Determine clinical factors associated with plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) in persons with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Boston, MA. METHODS: Participants provided a blood sample, completed a respiratory health questionnaire, and underwent dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess total and regional body fat. Linear regression models were used to assess cross-sectional associations with plasma CRP. RESULTS: In multivariable models, factors associated with a higher CRP included a greater BMI, urinary catheter use, a respiratory illness in the past week, and non-white race. Mean CRP also increased with decreasing mobility (motorized wheel chair >hand propelled wheel chair > walk with an assistive device > walk independently). Results were similar when adjusting for % android, gynoid, trunk, or total fat mass in place of BMI. Level and completeness of SCI was not associated with CRP in multivariable models. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical characteristics common in chronic SCI are associated with plasma CRP. These factors are more important than level and completeness of SCI and some are potentially modifiable.