Role of early cell-free DNA levels decrease as a predictive marker of fatal outcome after severe traumatic brain...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Genomics
• Trauma Medicine

Background:

• Circulating cell-free DNA (cf-DNA) levels increase post-trauma, correlating with outcomes.
• A reliable biomarker is needed for early intervention in high-risk trauma patients.
• cf-DNA shows potential as a biological marker for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate cf-DNA plasma concentrations in severe TBI patients.
• To determine if cf-DNA levels can predict patient outcomes after TBI.

Main Methods:

• Real-time PCR was used to measure cf-DNA plasma concentrations.
• 65 patients with severe TBI were monitored for 96 hours in the ICU.
• cf-DNA decrease ratios were calculated and stratified by survival outcomes.

Main Results:

• cf-DNA levels were significantly higher in TBI patients compared to controls.
• A 51% decrease in cf-DNA was observed within 24 hours and a 71% fall by 48 hours.
• Survivors showed a higher cf-DNA decrease ratio in the first 24 hours compared to non-survivors.
• A cut-off ratio of 1.95 predicted non-survival with 70% sensitivity and 66% specificity.

Conclusions:

• Severe TBI is associated with elevated cf-DNA levels.
• The rate of cf-DNA decrease in the first 24 hours after TBI can predict patient outcomes.
• cf-DNA serves as a potential prognostic biomarker in severe TBI.