Abstract:
ObjectiveTo discuss the dynamic changes of procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in brain trauma patients and its prognosis. MethodsA total of 60 patients who were admitted into our hospital due to brain trauma were enrolled into the current study, and their blood samples were collected on Days 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 when admission. Their levels of serum PCT and IL-6, C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Their clinical data were re-recorded and 28-day survival was followed up. ResultsPatients with low Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores produced remarkably higher levels of serum PCT and IL-6 on Day 1 than those with high GCS scores (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum CRP level between the two groups. Brain trauma patients with sepsis produced remarkably higher levels of serum PCT and IL-6 on Days 3, 5 and 7 than those without sepsis (P<0.05). Patients with high levels of PCT on Day 1 (PCT>2 μg/L) showed longer ICU stay and ventilation duration with a higher 28-day mortality. ConclusionsThe levels of serum PCT and IL-6 are closely related with the severity of brain trauma after admission. Dynamic determination of serum PCT and IL-6 is a useful approach to predict injury severity and the incidence of sepsis and complications in patients with brain trauma.