Plasma vitamin D, past chest illness, and risk of future chest illness in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI): a longitudinal observational study

Spinal Cord, 2020 · DOI: 10.1038/s41393-019-0409-7 · Published: April 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Pulmonology Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

People with spinal cord injuries are more likely to have problems with their breathing and get chest illnesses. Vitamin D may help with immunity and keeping the lungs healthy. This study looks at whether low vitamin D levels are linked to more chest illnesses in people with spinal cord injuries. The study followed 253 people with spinal cord injuries for several years, checking their vitamin D levels and asking about chest illnesses. They found that people with low vitamin D levels and a history of chest illnesses were more likely to get chest illnesses in the future. This suggests that making sure people with spinal cord injuries have enough vitamin D and preventing chest illnesses could help them stay healthier.

Study Duration

7.4 years

Participants

253 participants with chronic SCI

Evidence Level

Observational study

Key Findings

1
Deficient vitamin D levels were suggestively associated with future chest illness, though with wide confidence limits.
2
The strongest association with chest illness was in persons who reported pneumonia/bronchitis after injury and a chest illness in the three years before study entry.
3
A decreased FEV1/FVC, consistent with airflow obstruction, was also associated with chest illness risk.

Research Summary

This study assessed associations between vitamin D levels and other risk factors on future chest illness in a chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) cohort. The study found a suggestive association between plasma vitamin D level and future chest illness in participants with chronic SCI, particularly in persons with deficient levels. Future chest illness risk was also associated with prior chest illness history and reduction in pulmonary function.

Practical Implications

Clinical Awareness

Clinical awareness of the associations between vitamin D deficiency, prior chest illness, reduced pulmonary function and future chest illness may contribute to improved clinical management of individuals with SCI.

Vitamin D Supplementation

Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in individuals with SCI may help to reduce the risk of future chest illnesses, particularly in those with deficient levels.

Targeted Interventions

Individuals with SCI and a history of chest illness, particularly pneumonia/bronchitis, or reduced pulmonary function should be considered high-risk and targeted for preventative interventions.

Study Limitations

1
Chest illness assessment was based on self-report.
2
The study population may not fully represent the target population of outpatient persons with chronic SCI.
3
The proportion of participants independently taking vitamin D supplements increased over the study period likely due to increased clinical awareness of vitamin D deficiency.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Spinal Cord Injury