Prognostic Value of Bone Formation and Resorption Proteins in Heterotopic Ossification in Critically-Ill Patients. a Single-Centre Study

The study aimed to investigate these molecules as potential prognostic biomarkers of heterotopic ossification development in critically ill patients. Materials and

Critically-ill patients who will subsequently develop heterotopic ossification, have significantly lower BMP-2 and RANKL levels at the time of ICU admission, suggesting that these proteins may be useful as prognostic markers for this debilitating condition.

In this prospective observational study, BMP-2, RANKL, and osteoprotegerin were measured by ELISA in twenty-eight critically-ill, initially non-septic patients, on admission to an ICU, seven days post-admission, and thirty days after ICU discharge.

In the critically-ill cohort, nine of the twenty-eight patients developed heterotopic ossification up to the 30-day follow-up time-point. The patients who developed heterotopic ossification exhibited significantly reduced BMP-2 and RANKL levels on ICU admission, compared to patients who did not; Osteoprotegerin readings were similar in both groups. Conclusions: Critically-ill patients who will subsequently develop heterotopic ossification, have significantly lower BMP-2 and RANKL levels at the time of ICU admission, suggesting that these proteins may be useful as prognostic markers for this debilitating condition.