Antisecretory Factor 16 (AF16): A Promising Avenue for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury-An In Vitro Model Approach.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by an external mechanical force to the head, resulting in abnormal brain functioning and clinical manifestations. Antisecretory factor (AF16) is a potential therapeutic agent for TBI treatment due to its ability to inhibit fluid secretion and decrease inflammation, intracranial pressure, and interstitial fluid build-up, key hallmarks presented in TBI. Here, we investigated the effect of AF16 in an in vitro model of neuronal injury, as well as its impact on key components of the autophagy pathway and mitochondrial dynamics.

Optic nerve sheath diameter and eyeball transverse diameter in severe head injury and its correlation with intracranial pressure.

Background: Gold standard for determining intracranial pressure (ICP), intraventricular catheter, is invasive with associated risks. Non-invasive investigations like magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography have demonstrated correlation between optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) and raised ICP. However, computed tomography (CT) is accessible and less operator-dependent.

Effect of antisecretory factor, given as a food supplement to adult patients with severe traumatic brain injury (SASAT): protocol for an exploratory randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) constitutes a global epidemic. Overall outcome is poor, with mortality ranging from 10 to 70% and significant long-term morbidity. Several experimental reports have claimed effect on traumatic edema, but no clinical trials have shown effect on edema or outcome.

A double-edged sword: the effect of technological advancements in the management of neurotrauma patients.

Introduction: Despite South Africa's rapidly growing population, the number of patients evaluated by our trauma unit remains static. However, after presentation, increased delays in time to surgery is an issue. With a vast array of technological advancements having been implemented since 2008 at our institution, a clear problem exists at some stage of the patient management process.