RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Despite the involvement of cytokine production in neurotrauma, there is still controversy regarding cytokines levels and clinical outcome following severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to investigate whether cytokine levels (of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α) are associated with primary outcome (death or survival) after severe TBI. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 24 male patients, victims of severe TBI. Venous blood samples were taken in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (study entry), 24 and 48 hours later. Plasma cytokine levels were assayed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Severe TBI was associated with a 42% mortality rate. TBI patients had a significant increase in the levels of all cytokines measured, except for IL-1ß, compared to controls. Statistically significant increases in the IL-10, -8 and -6 levels were observed in the non-survivors TBI patients compared to the survivors sub-group measured in the first sample (study entry) and in the subsequent sample (24 hours later). There were no significant differences in IL-1ß, TNF-α and IL-12p70 levels between survivors and non-survivors in any time sampled. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that increased IL-10, -8 and -6 levels may constitute an early predictor of unfavourable outcome in severe TBI patients.