RAAS and Arterial Stiffness in SCI

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The study is examining differences in central arterial stiffness, orthostatic changes in blood pressure, norepinephrine, and plasma renin in individuals with spinal cord injury compared with age-matched uninjured controls.

Detailed Description
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The study is examining differences in central arterial stiffness, orthostatic changes in blood pressure, norepinephrine, and plasma renin in individuals with spinal cord injury compared with age-matched uninjured controls. Arterial stiffness and blood pressure will be collected in the laying down position. A blood sample of norepinephrine and plasma renin will also be collected. The participant will tilt to 30, 45 and 60 degrees for 10 minutes at each angel. Blood pressure and heart rate will be monitored at each angle. Another blood sample of renin and norepinephrine will be collected at the end of 10 minutes at 60 degrees.

Official Title
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Orthostatic Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Persons With SCI: The Effect of RAAS System

Conditions
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Arterial Stiffness, Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System, Orthostatic Hypotension, Spinal Cord Injury, Hypotension

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Spinal Cord Injury


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: SCI participants: injured between C1-T1 and T6-T12 wheelchair dependent AIS classification A, B or C Injured occurred more than 1 year ago Exclusion Criteria: currently have an illness or infection current smoker of at least 1 year controlled or uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes mellitus Neurological condition other than SCI (Alzheimer's disease, dementia, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease) cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, peripheral artery disease)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 21 Years
Maximum Age: 70 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Cervical SCI<br>Ages between 21-70 years old Injured between C1-T1 Wheelchair dependent AIS classification of A, B or C Injury occurred more than 1 year ago | Other: Spinal Cord Injury<br>* Spinal Cord Injury<br>|
| Thoracic SCI<br>Ages between 21-70 Injured between T6-T12 Wheelchair dependent AIS classification of A, B or C Injury occurred more than 1 year ago | Other: Spinal Cord Injury<br>* Spinal Cord Injury<br>|
| Able-bodied Control<br>Ages between 21-70 | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pulse wave velocity (m/s) | Determine relationship between arterial stiffness, blood pressure, norepinephrine, and renin responses to head-up tilt among the groups. | 2 years | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) | Determine differences in blood pressure among groups | 2 years | 
| Plasma renin (pg/ml) | Determine differences in plasma renin among the groups | 2 years | 
| Norepinephrine (pg/ml) | Determine differences in plasma norepinephrine among the groups. | 2 years | 
| Norepinephrine and Renin | Describe the changes in norepinephrine and renin from supine rest to 60 degree tilt | 2 years |