Immunological markers of severity and outcome of traumatic brain injury

A microscopic immunological study of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of 100 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) of different severity was carried out in the 1st, 10th and 21st days after trauma. The content of antibodies to basic myelin protein (BMP) and phospholipids (PL) significantly differed from that in the control group (patients with soft tissue head injuries without TBI) and was significantly higher in patients with severe TBI. The level of antibodies to BMP in the CSF was strongly correlated with scores on the Glasgow Coma Scale in the 1st day after TBI and the degree of recovery of neurological status in the 21st day. The level of antibodies to PL was strongly correlated with the severity of cytosis, content of CSF erythrocytes and proteins. The correlation between antibodies to BMP and antibodies to PL was weak. The different diagnostic value of antibodies to BMP and to PL in the most acute period of TBI was found. In conclusion, content of antibodies to BMP may be used as a marker of TBI severity and outcome while the significant elevation of antibodies to PL indicates the severity of vascular complications of trauma.