Article

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review evidence on
aging of the body systems after spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: Toronto,
Ontario and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. METHODS: Electronic databases
(MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and PsycINFO), were searched for studies
published between 1980 and 2009. The search was augmented by reviewing the
reference lists of relevant papers. Non-intervention studies that were
longitudinal or cross-sectional with able-bodied controls that were at minimum
matched on chronological age were included for review. Levels of evidence were
assigned to the study design using a modified Sackett scale. RESULTS: Of the 74
studies selected for inclusion, 16 were longitudinal in design. The hypothesis
that SCI represents a model for premature aging is supported by a large
proportion of level 5 evidence for the cardiovascular and endocrine systems,
level 2, 4 and 5 evidence for the musculoskeletal system, and limited level 5
evidence for the immune system. Only a few level 4 and 5 studies for the
respiratory system were found. The evidence on the genitourinary system,
gastrointestinal system, and for skin and subcutaneous tissues provide level 4
and 5 evidence that premature aging may not be occurring. The evidence on the
nervous system does not provide evidence of premature aging as a result of SCI.
CONCLUSIONS: Premature aging appears to occur in some systems after SCI.
Additional longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings.

Langue : ANGLAIS