Background: A spinal cord injury changes body composition and metabolism over time. The main purpose of this article is to provide an overview of what is known about these changes and the consequences of those in the chronic phase, long after the acute injury.
Material and methods: The article is based on own research and clinical experience, as well as a non-systematic search in the PubMed database.
Results: The following has been documented for people with spinal cord injury: reduced bone and muscle mass, altered composition of muscle fibre, marked increase of body fat, decreased sensitivity to insulin and leptin and an increased activity in inflammatory signalling pathways. Changes are also demonstrated in hemostatic mechanisms and immune system.
Interpretation: Changes in metabolism and hormonal regulation in people with spinal cord injury, may increase the risk of osteoporosis, obesity, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Changed body composition and inflammatory activity may contribute to the higher incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes/metabolic syndrome, although other important risk factors (such as obesity and high blood pressure) may be absent. It has not been documented that changes in haemostatic mechanisms and the immune system are associated with the increased incidence of thromboembolic complications, severe infections or certain types of cancer.