Serum albumin predicts long-term neurological outcomes after acute spinal cord injury

Model System:

SCI

Reference Type:

Journal article

Accession No.:

J78739

Journal:

Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

2018 , 32, 1, 7-17

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study examined the utility of serum albumin concentrations early after spinal cord injury (SCI) in predicting long-term neurological outcomes after an acute traumatic SCI. A secondary analysis was performed on data from 591 patients with traumatic SCI participating in a clinical trial testing the efficacy of monosialotetrahexosylganglioside (GM-1) ganglioside therapy in acute, traumatic SCI. Serum albumin concentrations were obtained as part of routine blood chemistry analysis, at trial entry (24-72 hours), and 1, 2, and 4 weeks after injury. The primary outcomes were “marked recovery” and lower-extremity motor scores, derived from the International Standards for the Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury. Data were analyzed with multivariable logistic and linear regression to adjust for potential confounders. The results showed that serum albumin was significantly associated with SCI neurological outcomes. Higher serum albumin concentrations at 1, 2, and 4 weeks were associated with higher 52-week lower-extremity motor score. Similarly, the odds of achieving “marked neurological recovery” was greater for individuals with higher serum albumin concentrations. The association between serum albumin concentrations and neurological outcomes was independent of initial injury severity, treatment with GM-1, and polytrauma. The findings suggest that serum albumin is an independent marker of long-term neurological outcomes after SCI. Serum albumin could serve as a feasible biomarker for prognosis at the time of injury and stratification in clinical trials.

Author(s):