Persistent CRP Elevation at 4 Weeks Is Associated with Delayed Union After Polytrauma: An Exploratory Retrospective...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Care
• Biomarker Research

Background:

• Delayed bone healing is a significant complication in polytrauma patients.
• Systemic inflammation and physiological stress impact fracture repair.
• The role of inflammatory markers in predicting healing outcomes needs further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between serial changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen and delayed union in polytrauma patients.
• To identify potential biomarkers for predicting delayed fracture healing.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 115 adult polytrauma patients with long-bone fractures.
• Serial measurements of IL-6, CRP, and fibrinogen at multiple time points post-injury.
• Radiographic assessment of bone healing and clinician-assigned delayed union as primary endpoint.

Main Results:

• Delayed union occurred in 33.9% of patients.
• Persistent elevation of CRP at 4 weeks post-injury was independently associated with delayed union (adjusted OR 2.16).
• IL-6 findings were less consistent, and fibrinogen was not significantly associated.

Conclusions:

• Post-traumatic CRP elevation at 4 weeks is associated with delayed union in polytrauma patients.
• CRP may indicate delayed healing, infection, or other inflammatory complications.
• Prospective validation is needed to confirm CRP's predictive value for fracture healing.