Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) Inhibitors as Therapy for Cerebrovascular Dysfunction in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury.

Multiple phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for pharmacologic interventions in traumatic brain injury (TBI) have failed despite promising results in experimental models. The heterogeneity of TBI, in terms of pathomechanisms and impacted brain structures, likely contributes to these failures. Biomarkers have been recommended to identify patients with relevant pathology (predictive biomarkers) and confirm target engagement and monitor therapy response (pharmacodynamic biomarkers).

Targeted dietary interventions to reduce pain in persistent post-traumatic headache among service members: Protocol for a randomized, controlled parallel-group trial.

Introduction: Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is common after traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially among active-duty service members (SMs), affecting up to 35% of patients with chronic TBI. Persistent PTH is disabling and frequently unresponsive to treatment and is often migrainous. Here, we describe a trial assessing whether dietary modifications to increase n-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and reduce n-6 linoleic acid (LA), will alter nociceptive lipid mediators and result in clinical improvements in persistent PTH.

Decreased C-reactive protein levels in Alzheimer disease.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant that has been found to be associated with Alzheimer disease (AD) in histopathological and longitudinal studies; however, little data exist regarding serum CRP levels in patients with established AD. The current study evaluated CRP levels in 192 patients diagnosed with probable AD (mean age = 75.8 +/- 8.

Physiologic and functional outcome correlates of brain tissue hypoxia in traumatic brain injury.

Objective: Assess the prevalence of brain tissue hypoxia in patients with severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and to characterize the relationship between brain tissue hypoxia and functional outcome.

Design: Retrospective review of severe TBI patients.

Setting: Intensive care unit of a level I trauma center.