Clinical Trial: Mechanisms of Orthostatic Intolerance in Spinal Cord Injured Individuals and Following Bed Rest

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Mechanisms of Orthostatic Intolerance in Spinal Cord Injured Individuals and Following Bed Rest

Brief Summary: The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the extent of neurologic (nerve) impairment in patients with spinal cord injuries and how well the nerves passing down the spine to the heart and blood vessels are working. These nerves are called the descending spinal sympathetic pathway (DSSP) and are important in controlling many functions, including blood pressure. We also wish to examine how injury severity and DSSP function influence blood levels of nor-epinephrine and epinephrine. Nor-epinephrine and epinephrine are hormones released into the blood that are also important in controlling blood pressure. Thus, we will also look at how the effect of the extent of DSSP dysfunction influences heart rate and blood pressure and blood levels of certain enzymes.

Detailed Summary:

Subjects Healthy able-bodied control volunteers, individuals with acute and chronic spinal cord injury, and individuals who have undergone a period of bed rest.

ASIA and SSR Assessment. The severity of injury to the motor and sensory spinal pathways will be documented in accordance to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA). The sympathetic skin response (SSR) will be examined in order to determine the completeness of injury to the DSSP. SSRs will be recorded in subjects in supine position, with the room temperature between 21-25oC. Subjects will rest supine for at least 30 min before the beginning of the examination. The procedure will take approximately 20-30 min. Self-adhesive electrodes will be applied to the hands and feet of the patient. SSRs will be recorded bilaterally and simultaneously from both hands and feet over 5 s and sampled at a band pass of 3Hz to 3 kHz. The median nerve will be stimulated (0.2ms duration, 10-20mA intensity) and 5-10 SSRs samples will be recorded. The latency and amplitude of SSRs will be measured and compared in each case.

"Sit up test". We will use a sit-up test to evaluate blood pressure control and orthostatic tolerance. Before the test the subject will lie down on a tilt table, in a temperature controlled environment for a period of 10 min. Then the subject will be passively seated to 90° and will keep this position without moving for 20 minutes. The test will be aborted if subjects become lightheaded or symptomatic. All individuals with SCI will be assessed for the continuity of the DSSP. Continuous non-invasive BP (Finometer, FMS, Arnhem, The Netherlands) and ECG (lead II, 3 electrodes on the thorax), monitoring will be performed pre-test, during and post-test. In all subjects the following measurements are planned: recordings of BP and ECG during 10 min in sup
Sponsor: University of British Columbia

Current Primary Outcome:

Original Primary Outcome:

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: University of British Columbia

Dates:
Date Received: September 13, 2005
Date Started: November 2004
Date Completion:
Last Updated: July 10, 2012
Last Verified: July 2012