Medicolegal Study of Serum C-Reactive Protein and Troponin I in victims with Head Injury

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department. Tanta Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt.

2 Neurosurgery Department. Tanta Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt

3 Neurosurgery Department. Tanta Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt.

Abstract

Traumatic head injury is a major concern to neurosurgeons and forensic experts. The aim of this study was firstly to determine the pattern of traumatic head injuries and its contributing factors, and secondly to investigate the clinical and forensic importance of serum C- reactive protein (CRP) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in victims with traumatic head injuries. Sixty head injured victims were categorized according to Glasgow coma scale into two groups: mild (13-15) and moderate-severe (3-12). Levels of CRP and cTnI were measured on admission and 24 hours later. Serum levels of CRP and cTnI were significantly higher in moderate-severe group (than mild group) and showed significant changes after 24 hours. Elevated CRP serum level after 24 hours above 12 mg/L was associated with poor victims’ outcome. Both CRP and cTnI levels - whether on admission or after 24 hours - correlated significantly with hospital stay. In conclusion, serum CRP and cTnI can be used as markers to investigate severity and outcome of head injured victims.

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