Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed an approach based on analyzing blood biomarkers to help doctors determine the severity of traumatic brain injuries and detect damage not clearly visible in initial imaging tests. This development aims to support more accurate decisions regarding patient follow-up and appropriate care in the early stages of treatment.
The scientific website Medical Xpress reported that the study, published in the journal Neurosurgery, identified levels of two proteins associated with brain cell damage: glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and enzyme (UCH-L1). These can be used to help distinguish between patients who show signs of injury on medical imaging and those whose initial tests do not reveal clear damage.
Challenges of Initial Diagnosis
Researchers noted that traumatic brain injuries pose a medical challenge, as symptoms may persist in some patients despite normal computed tomography (CT) scan results. Meanwhile, subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may reveal changes or injuries not apparent in the initial examination, making it important to identify patients who require additional evaluation.
Accuracy of Biomarkers
The study showed that protein levels rise in the blood following injury due to brain cell damage, then gradually decrease over time. Results indicated that measuring GFAP levels within the first 24 hours of injury was more capable of distinguishing between patients who showed signs of injury on neurological imaging and those who did not, while the ability of UCH-L1 to distinguish between the two groups was lower.
Future Clinical Applications
Researchers highlighted the availability of a test version that can be performed at the point of care using a whole blood sample, allowing sample analysis near the patient rather than sending it to a central laboratory. The research team is working to integrate these tests into clinical practice in emergency departments and is also studying the potential use of biomarkers to help predict long-term health outcomes for patients with traumatic brain injuries.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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