High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: Retrospective Study of Potential Blood Biomarker of Inflammation in Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Issue 3 (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shetty, Teena; Cogsil, Taylor; Dalal, Aashka; Kim, Esther; Halvorsen, Kristin; Cummings, Kelianne; Nguyen, Joseph T.
• Is Part Of: Journal of head trauma rehabilitation. Volume 34:Issue 3(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: acute care -- blood biomarker panel -- closed head injury -- gender -- Glasgow Coma Scale -- high-sensitivity C-reactive protein -- inflammation -- mild traumatic brain injury; Brain damage -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Brain damage -- Periodicals; 617.4810443
• DOI: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000450
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0885-9701

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: A panel of biomarkers is needed to definitively diagnose mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). There is a clear role for the inclusion of an inflammatory biomarker. This study looked to find a relationship between high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), an inflammatory biomarker, and mTBI. Setting: Neurology department of high-volume tertiary orthopedic hospital. Participants: Individuals diagnosed with mTBI ( n = 311, age 21 ± 12 years, 53% female). Design: Retrospective cohort study. Main Measures: hsCRP levels; postconcussive symptoms; demographics. Results: Continuous hsCRP levels were transformed into quartiles, as defined by less than 0.200 mg/L for quartile 1 (Q1); 0.200 to 0.415 mg/L for quartile 2 (Q2); 0.415 to 1.100 mg/L for quartile 3 (Q3); and greater than 1.100 mg/L for quartile 4 (Q4). Mean hsCRP was elevated in the cohort of individuals who presented within 1 week of injury and was found to significantly decrease between the first visit and 4 weeks postinjury ( P = .016). Initial hsCRP level was positively correlated with age ( r = 0.163, P = .004), and age significantly increased between quartiles ( P = .013). Patients with increased age (odds ratio: 3.48) and those who endorsed headache (odds ratio: 3.48) or fatigue (odds ratio: 2.16) were significantly associated with increased risk of having an hsCRP level in Q4. Conclusion: hsCRP may be a viable addition to acute and longitudinal biomarker panels for diagnosis and prognosis of mTBI.