Biomarkers Prognostic for Elevated Intracranial Pressure
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health problem, both for the military and civilian populations. Delayed brain swelling (typically occurring 2-3 days after the initial trauma) is a prominent secondary pathology that greatly contributes to poor outcome and death. Since the brain is confined within the skull, swelling increases intracranial pressure (ICP) that can decrease cerebral blood flow and shift brain tissue from its normal location. These events can cause further brain damage and, if untreated, can result in death. Not all persons with TBI will develop elevated ICP, even though their injury severities are similar. At present, there is no simple and rapid test (e.g. blood test) available to identify those patients at risk for developing increased ICP. Using blood samples from a group of severe TBI patients, we have found that the copper-binding protein ceruloplasmin and copper decrease in patients who will subsequently develop elevated ICP. These changes occur within the first 24 hours of injury making them potential markers that can be used to diagnose this condition. The goal of the proposed study is to validate these initial findings and determine the sensitivity and specificity of these makers to identify TBI patients at risk for elevated ICP.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1011799
Entities
People
- Pramod K. Dash
Organizations
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston