Sclerostin Concentration and Bone Biomarker Trends in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Prospective Study

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) are at high risk of osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fractures. This study aimed to determine the concentration of sclerostin, a biomarker related to bone metabolism, in patients with SCI over time. The study prospectively recruited 62 patients with SCI who required continuous support for ambulation and had their injury for more than a month. Researchers measured bone biomarkers (CTX, P1NP, and sclerostin), clinical data, body mass index, SCI duration, and hip bone mineral density (BMD). The results showed that sclerostin levels significantly correlated with age, CTX level (a bone resorption marker), and hip BMD. SCI duration was negatively correlated with sclerostin levels, and acute SCI showed higher sclerostin levels than chronic SCI.

• 1
  Sclerostin levels significantly correlated with age, CTX level, and hip BMD in patients with SCI.
• 2
  SCI duration was negatively correlated with sclerostin levels, indicating that sclerostin levels are higher in the acute phase of SCI compared to the chronic phase.
• 3
  The acute SCI state showed a higher sclerostin level than the chronic SCI state, suggesting a relationship between the stage of injury and sclerostin concentration.