In a recent North American study, significant disparities were discovered in the serological markers of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) based on race. The research analyzed 316 participants, including 247 White and 69 Black individuals, who were tracked throughout the first year following their injury. Serological markers relevant to various physiological functions such as cell counts, liver, kidney, and pancreatic functions as well as metabolism and muscle health were evaluated across multiple time intervals.
White participants were found to have higher levels of alanine transaminase, blood urea nitrogen, sodium, and chloride. In contrast, Black participants exhibited higher levels of calcium, total serum protein, and platelets. Further significant differences between races over the 52-week period indicated that White individuals had higher markers related to mature neutrophils, hemoglobin, and triglycerides, whereas Black individuals had increased amylase levels.
The data underscores the importance of considering racial differences when treating individuals with SCI and suggests a need for future inquiries exploring the underlying causes and potential health implications of this disparity. The ultimate goal would be the establishment of tailored clinical approaches and policymaking aimed at improving health equity across races.
Additionally, the study emphasises the crucial role that race plays as a determinant in physiological responses. Identifying these differences is a step towards comprehensive patient care, advancing closer to achieving health equity in the medical treatment and management of SCI patients.
Source: Nature.com