Investigating how spinal cord injuries affect heart health

Role of Vascular Endothelial Function After Spinal Cord Injury Related Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Craig Hospital · NCT06443151

This study looks at how spinal cord injuries affect heart health in adults and tries to find out why they may have a higher risk of heart problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorCraig Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Englewood, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT06443151 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on adults with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and their increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis. It aims to understand the role of endothelial cell dysfunction in this heightened risk, as traditional risk factors like obesity and diabetes do not fully explain the phenomenon. The study will measure endothelial health through various interventions, including the infusion of vasoactive and antioxidant drugs and the assessment of endothelial microvesicles in the blood. By identifying the mechanisms behind early cardiovascular disease in SCI patients, the study seeks to inform potential therapeutic interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with a traumatic spinal cord injury, specifically those with paraplegia and a complete motor injury at the T2 level or below.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved screening and treatment strategies for cardiovascular disease in individuals with spinal cord injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited empirical data on endothelial dysfunction in SCI, previous studies suggest that understanding endothelial health could be crucial for addressing cardiovascular risks in this population.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women of all races, ethnic backgrounds\>18 years of age
* Traumatic spinal cord injury (Sports, Assault, Transport, Fall, Other Traumatic Causes)
* Time since injury (\> 12 months)
* Paraplegia Motor Complete Injury (neurological level of injury at T2 or below, ASIA Impairment Scale A or B

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of high blood pressure
* History cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident).
* History high cholesterol
* History of Diabetes Type I or Type II
* History of Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
* History of Chronic Kidney or Liver Disease
* History of Cancer
* History of Autoimmune Disease (Thyroid Disease, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc).
* History of smoking tobacco in the last 12 months
* History of alcohol use

Where this trial is running

Englewood, Colorado

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Spinal Cord Injuries, Cardiovascular Diseases, Endothelial Dysfunction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.