Conclusions
The most relevant new findings of our study were that TIMP-1 levels during the first week of a severe TBI were higher in non-surviving than in surviving patients and that could be used as biomarker predictive of mortality.
Methods
We included patients with severe TBI (defined as Glasgow Coma Scale lower than 9), and with Injury Severity Score in non-cranial aspects lower than 9. We determined serum concentrations of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 at days 1, 4 and 8 of TBI.
Purpose
Previously, higher circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 were reported in the first hours after TBI in blood samples from patients with poor prognosis. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine whether MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels during the first week of a severe TBI could be used as biomarker predictive of mortality.
Results
TIMP-1 concentrations at days 1 (p < .001), 4 (p = .001), and 8 (p = .01) of TBI were higher in non-surviving (n = 34) than in surviving (n = 90) patients. ROC curve analyses showed an area under curve of TIMP-1 concentrations at days 1, 4, and 8 of TBI to predict 30-day mortality of 78% (p < .001), 76% (p < .001) and 71% (p = .02) respectively. Conclusions: The most relevant new findings of our study were that TIMP-1 levels during the first week of a severe TBI were higher in non-surviving than in surviving patients and that could be used as biomarker predictive of mortality.