Autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction and vitamin D deficiency in pediatric spinal cord injury.

Objective: The purpose of this manuscript is to present a general overview and preliminary results of pilot projects of two complications in pediatric spinal cord injury (SCI): autonomic cardiovascular dysfunction and vitamin D deficiency.

Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional investigations of blood pressures (BP), heart rates (HR), and vitamin D levels were performed.

Results: Among 279 children with SCI, it was observed that baseline BP increases and HR decreases with increasing age.

Estimation of resting energy expenditure in children with spinal cord injuries.

Background/objective: Resting energy expenditure (REE) is the amount of energy needed to maintain energy balance. Prediction equations exist to estimate REE for adults. Recommended dietary allowances (RDA) can be used to estimate energy needs for children but may not be suitable for children with spinal cord injury (SCI).