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321 INFLUENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME ON BLOOD VESSELS IN WOMEN WITH SPINAL CORD INJURY

Individuals with spinal cord injury are at higher risk for developing cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction and death. Increased body mass, stress, abnormal glucose metabolism and lipid abnormalities, components of metabolic syndrome, are seen commonly in these individuals. Reduced ability to exercise is at least in part responsible for changes in body composition and metabolism. The prevalence of these abnormalities and its effect on blood vessels in women with spinal cord injury is unknown. Methods and Results Sixty-five women with chronic spinal cord injury, age 43 ± 11 years, predominately Hispanic (40%) underwent laboratory testing, for lipid profile, glucose metabolism and the carotid artery intima-media thickening a surrogate for coronary artery disease. Abnormal lipid profile was present in 59% particularly high triglycerides, mean value of 105± 35 mg/dl. Fasting glucose and Hemoglobin A1C were in high normal range (95 ± 21 mg/dl and 4.7 ± 1.8) respectively. Significant correlations were found between intima-media thickening and age (r = .22, p ≤ 0.04) and with fasting glucose (r = .78, p≤ 0.002) in high spinal cord injury. No correlations existed between intima-media thickening and any lipid fractions. Conclusion Although 59% of women with spinal cord injury had lipid abnormalities these were in mild to moderate range and did not affect blood vessels. Abnormal glucose metabolism had significant effect on cardiovascular system, as measured by intima-media thickening and may lead to future adverse events.