Systemic inflammation after spinal cord injury: A review of biological evidence, related health risks, and potential therapies

Abstract

Individuals with chronic traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) develop progressive multi-system health problems that result in clinical illness and disability. Systemic inflammation is associated with many of the common medical complications and acquired diseases that accompany chronic SCI, suggesting that it contributes to a number of comorbid pathological conditions. However, many of the mechanisms that promote persistent systemic inflammation and its consequences remain ill-defined. This review describes the significant biological factors that contribute to systemic inflammation, major organ systems affected, health risks, and the potential treatment strategies. We aim to highlight the need for a better understanding of inflammatory processes, and to establish appropriate strategies to address inflammation in SCI.