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Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury: An Update on Preclinical Models, Clinical Biomarkers, and the Implications of
Divine C Nwafor1,2,3, Allison L Brichacek4, Chase H Foster5
1Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Insights
Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) requires more research. This review explores preclinical models, vascular effects, biomarkers, and the gut-brain axis in pediatric TBI to improve understanding and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Medicine
- Trauma Research
Background:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in children.
- Pediatric TBI (pTBI) pathophysiology is less understood than adult TBI, leading to worse outcomes and longer recovery times.
- Common causes include falls, sports injuries, non-accidental trauma, and motor vehicle accidents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current preclinical models of pTBI.
- To examine the impact of pTBI on brain vasculature.
- To discuss clinical biomarkers for diagnosing pTBI and predicting outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical pTBI models.
- Analysis of studies on pTBI's effects on cerebral vasculature.
- Examination of clinical biomarkers for pTBI diagnosis and prognosis.
Main Results:
- Preclinical models are crucial for understanding pTBI pathophysiology.
- pTBI significantly impacts the brain's vasculature.
- Clinical biomarkers are essential for accurate diagnosis and outcome prediction.
Conclusions:
- Further research into pTBI pathophysiology is needed.
- The role of the gut-brain axis in pTBI is an emerging area of investigation.
- Improved understanding can lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric TBI.
Abstract:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Recent studies suggest that children and adolescents have worse post-TBI outcomes and take longer to recover than adults. However, the pathophysiology and progression of TBI in the pediatric population are studied to a far lesser extent compared to the adult population. Common causes of TBI in children are falls, sports/recreation-related injuries, non-accidental trauma, and motor vehicle-related injuries. A fundamental understanding of TBI pathophysiology is crucial in preventing long-term brain injury sequelae. Animal models of TBI have played an essential role in addressing the knowledge gaps relating to pTBI pathophysiology. Moreover, a better understanding of clinical biomarkers is crucial to diagnose pTBI and accurately predict long-term outcomes. This review examines the current preclinical models of pTBI, the implications of pTBI on the brain's vasculature, and clinical pTBI biomarkers. Finally, we conclude the review by speculating on the emerging role of the gut-brain axis in pTBI pathophysiology.
