Goldstein, RebekahWalia, PalakTeylan, MerileeLazzari, Antonio A.Tun, Carlos G.Hart, JaimeGarshick, Eric2018-03-202017Goldstein, Rebekah, Palak Walia, Merilee Teylan, Antonio A. Lazzari, Carlos G. Tun, Jaime E. Hart, and Eric Garshick. 2017. “Clinical Factors Associated with C - Reactive Protein in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury.” Spinal cord :10.1038/sc.2017.81. doi:10.1038/sc.2017.81. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sc.2017.81.http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:35015018Study 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.en-USC-reactive proteinbody fatspinal cord injuryJournal Article2018-03-2010.1038/sc.2017.81