Plasma Amino Acid Profiles and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury: A Study Protocol

The most common cause of cognitive and behavioral impairments, disability, and mortality around the world is traumatic brain injury (TBI). The imbalance between cerebral metabolism and inflammation leads to protein breakdown and induces altered concentrations of serum amino acids, which can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic sign in patients with TBI. This study aimed to examine the alterations in plasma amino acid concentrations and their relation to clinical outcomes in patients with TBIs.

At completion, this study will assess 107 patients suffering from TBI aged 18 to 65. Plasma amino acid concentrations, anthropometric indices, and clinical outcome parameters including Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), Nutrition Risk in the Critically ill (Nutric) score, Glasgow coma scale (GCS), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) discharge time, mechanical ventilator duration, and mortality rate will be assessed at the beginning of the study, day 7, and day 14.

This longitudinal study will provide evidence for further clinical trials and observational studies on amino acid supplementation and TBI. The results of this study could inform future treatment strategies for TBI patients.