| Summary: | Abstract Background Systemic inflammation has been associated with reduced pulmonary function in individuals with and without chronic medical conditions. Individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) have clinical characteristics that promote systemic inflammation and also have reduced pulmonary function. We sought to assess the associations between biomarkers of systemic inflammation with pulmonary function in a chronic SCI cohort, adjusting for other potential confounding factors. Methods Participants (n = 311) provided a blood sample, completed a respiratory health questionnaire, and underwent spirometry. Linear regression methods were used to assess cross-sectional associations between plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC. Results There were statistically significant inverse relationships between plasma CRP and IL-6 assessed in quartiles or continuously with FEV1 and FVC. In fully adjusted models, each interquartile range (5.91 mg/L) increase in CRP was associated with a significant decrease in FEV1 (−55.85 ml; 95% CI: -89.21, −22.49) and decrease in FVC (−65.50 ml; 95% CI: -106.61, −24.60). There were similar significant findings for IL-6. There were no statistically significant associations observed with FEV1/FVC. Conclusion Plasma CRP and IL-6 in individuals with chronic SCI are inversely associated with FEV1 and FVC, independent of SCI level and severity of injury, BMI, and other covariates. This finding suggests that systemic inflammation associated with chronic SCI may contribute to reduced pulmonary function.
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