BACKGROUND: Several biological markers can predict outcomes in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), but markers to predict neurological deficit severity in patients with SAH and poor neurological condition have not yet been established. Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are related to the systemic inflammatory response. OBJECTIVE: In a prospective study, to investigate the relationship between clinical outcomes and blood test results in patients with SAH and severe neurological deficits. METHODS: We studied 17 patients with Hunt and Hess Grade IV and Fisher Class III neurological deficits who had undergone aneurysmal clipping within 48 hours of onset of SAH. We measured their levels of sCD40L, PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB and C-reactive protein (CRP), their white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts and their body temperature. Blood tests were performed at an early time point (Day 0, the day of the SAH before craniotomy) and at a late time point (Day 10). The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of the patients was assessed at Day 60. RESULTS: Seven patients (41%) were classified as mRS 0-2 (good outcome) and 10 (59%) as mRS 3-5 (poor outcome). The blood levels of sCD40L (P = 0.05), PDGF-BB (P = 0.02) and CRP (P = 0.02), WBC count (P = 0.005) and body temperature (P = 0.01) at the late time point were significantly higher in patients with poor outcomes than in patients with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that sCD40L, PDGF-BB, WBC count, CRP and body temperature can predict the neurological outcome in patients with SAH and poor neurological condition.
BACKGROUND: Several biological markers can predict outcomes in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), but markers to predict neurological deficit severity in patients with SAH and poor neurological condition have not yet been established. Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are related to the systemic inflammatory response. OBJECTIVE: In a prospective study, to investigate the relationship between clinical outcomes and blood test results in patients with SAH and severe neurological deficits. METHODS: We studied 17 patients with Hunt and Hess Grade IV and Fisher Class III neurological deficits who had undergone aneurysmal clipping within 48 hours of onset of SAH. We measured their levels of sCD40L, PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB, PDGF-BB and C-reactive protein (CRP), their white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts and their body temperature. Blood tests were performed at an early time point (Day 0, the day of the SAH before craniotomy) and at a late time point (Day 10). The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of the patients was assessed at Day 60. RESULTS: Seven patients (41%) were classified as mRS 0-2 (good outcome) and 10 (59%) as mRS 3-5 (poor outcome). The blood levels of sCD40L (P = 0.05), PDGF-BB (P = 0.02) and CRP (P = 0.02), WBC count (P = 0.005) and body temperature (P = 0.01) at the late time point were significantly higher in patients with poor outcomes than in patients with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that sCD40L, PDGF-BB, WBC count, CRP and body temperature can predict the neurological outcome in patients with SAH and poor neurological condition.