Determination of serum tissue kallikrein levels after traumatic brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Tissue kallikrein (TK) plays an important role in the kallikrein-kinin system. Its protective role has been demonstrated in traumatic brain injury (TBI). We attempted to determine relationship between serum TK levels and trauma severity in addition to clinical outcome in TBI. METHODS: We recruited 112 patients with severe TBI (Glasgow coma scale score < 9) and 112 controls. We configured 2 multivariate models to assess the relationship between serum TK levels and 30-day death. Its prognostic predictive ability was analyzed under receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: TK levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (median 0.148 mg/l, the upper - lower quartiles 0.121-0.185 vs. median 0.258 mg/l, the upper - lower quartiles 0.207-0.342, P < 0.001). TK levels were closely and positively correlated with Glasgow coma scale score (r = 0.550). TK levels <0.148 mg/l independently predicted 30-day mortality with odds ratio value of 4.752 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.166-19.367) and 30-day overall survival with hazard ratio value of 3.698 (95% CI, 1.026-13.333). TK levels significantly discriminated 30-day mortality with area under curve of 0.822 (95% CI, 0.738-0.887). CONCLUSIONS: Serum TK can represent a potential predictor of clinical outcome in TBI patients.

Serum myeloperoxidase concentrations for outcome prediction in acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is related to brain injury after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a potent oxidizing enzyme. We tested the hypothesis that serum MPO concentrations are increased after ICH and they correlate with stroke severity and outcome. METHODS: Serum MPO concentrations were measured in 128 ICH patients and 128 controls. Odds ratios of dependent variables, including early neurological deterioration, hematoma growth, 1-week mortality, 6-month mortality, 6-month unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score > 2) and 6-month overall survival, were calculated and adjusted for age, sex, hematoma volume, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and vascular risk factors. RESULTS: As compared to the controls, the patients had significantly increased serum MPO concentrations. MPO concentrations of the ICH patients were strongly correlated with hematoma volume and NIHSS scores. Serum MPO were independently associated with the above-mentioned study points. Its area under receiver operating characteristic curve was equivalent to those of hematoma volume and NIHSS score. Moreover, serum MPO significantly improved the discriminatory ability of hematoma and NIHSS in predicting 6-month mortality and unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Serum MPO concentrations rise in ICH patients and there is a correlation between MPO concentrations and severity or prognosis.

Serum cyclophilin A concentrations and prognosis of acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Cyclophilin A is involved in brain injury. We investigated the relationship between serum cyclophilin A concentrations, hemorrhagic severity and clinical outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). METHODS: We enrolled 105 ICH patients and 105 healthy individuals. Admission serum cyclophilin A concentrations were detected in ICH patients. Hemorrhagic severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and hematoma volume. Modified Rankin Scale score > 2 was defined as a poor outcome. RESULTS: Serum cyclophilin A concentrations were significantly higher in patients than in controls. There was a close correlation of serum cyclophilin A concentrations with NIHSS scores and hematoma volume. Serum cyclophilin A emerged as an independent predictor for 6-month mortality, overall survival and poor outcome. Moreover, it had a strong discriminatory ability for 6-month mortality and poor outcome. Furthermore, it could significantly improve the prognostic predictive ability of NIHSS scores or hematoma volume alone. CONCLUSIONS: Increasted serum cyclophilin A concentrations are highly associated with stroke severity and prognosis after hemorrhagic stroke.

Detection of high serum concentration of CXC chemokine ligand-12 in acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: CXC chemokine ligand-12 (CXCL12), a member of the CXC chemokine subfamily, is involved in both focal angiogenesis and inflammatory reactions. We examined serum CXCL12 concentration in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients and its correlation to stroke severity and outcome. METHODS: The study was carried out on 105 ICH patients on 105 healthy controls. Serum samples were at admission obtained to measure CXCL12 concentrations. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and hematoma volume were recorded to assess stroke severity. RESULTS: As compared to the controls, CXCL12 concentrations were significantly increased in the patients. Also, non-survivors within 6months and patients with an unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score>2) at 6months had higher CXCL12 concentrations than other remaining ones. CXCL12 concentrations had positive correlation with NIHSS scores and hematoma volume. Serum CXCL12 significantly discriminated patients at risk of 6-month mortality and 6-month unfavorable outcome under receiver operating characteristic curve. Moreover, serum CXCL12 was independently associated with the mortality, overall survival and unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Serum CXCL12 concentrations are enhanced after ICH and CXCL12 in serum has the potential to reflect severity and prognosis following hemorrhagic stroke.

Diagnosis, treatment and outcome of glutaric aciduria type I in Zhejiang Province, China.

BACKGROUND: Glutaric aciduria type I (GA I; MIM 231670) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder resulting from glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. This article reports our experience in the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of GA I patients in Zhejiang Province, China. MATERIAL/METHODS: A total of 129,415 newborns (accounting for approximately one-tenth of the annual births in Zhejiang Province) and 9640 high-risk infants were screened for inborn errors of metabolism in the Neonatal Screening Center of Zhejiang Province during a 3-year period. Tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used for diagnosis of the patients. Dietary modification, carnitine supplementation and aggressive treatment of intercurrent illnesses were adapted for GA I patients. RESULTS: Three infants were diagnosed with GA I by high-risk screening (detection rate: 1/3,213) and 2 were diagnosed by newborn screening (incidence: 1/64,708). Four patients (3 by high-risk screening and 1 by neonatal screening) undergoing MRI examination showed remarkable changes on T2-weighted image. Four patients accepted timely treatment, and in the patient diagnosed by neonatal screening, treatment was delayed until hypotonia appeared 3 months later. Neuropsychological assessment showed mental and motor retardation in 3 patients after treatment, including the patient diagnosed by neonatal screening. CONCLUSIONS: Individualized timely treatment and close monitoring of GA I patients needs to be optimized in China. Appropriate communication with parents may help to achieve successful management of GA I patients.