Is IL-8 level an indicator of clinical and radiological status of traumatic brain injury?

Background: Since understanding the fact that traumatic brain injury includes an inflammatory process, the number of studies of cytokines has increased. The objective of this study was to analyze and discuss the association of interleukin (IL)-8 level with the clinical and radiological status of patients with head trauma.

Methods: Patients who were admitted to our hospital due to head trauma were included in the study. Findings of clinical and laboratory examinations were analyzed. Data regarding patient age, gender, available clinical findings, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, trauma cause, brain tomography findings, and biochemical laboratory test results were recorded. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to their GCS score: Group I: GCS ≥13, Group II: GCS = 9-12, and Group III: GCS = 3-8.

Results: A total of 23 (76.7%) patients were male and 7 (23.3%) were female. Overall, 17 (56.7%) patients were admitted due to a fall, 8 (26.7%) due to a traffic accident, and 5 (16.7%) due to assault. Each group comprised 10 patients. As the GCS score increased, the IL-8 level decreased. The mean IL-8 level was 1.2 pg/mL in Group I, 6.6 pg/mL in Group II, and 4.7 pg/mL in Group III; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.147). Moreover, the IL-8 level was significantly greater in patients who demonstrated an abnormal tomography finding (p=0.023).

Conclusion: IL-8 may be a beneficial indicator for monitoring the clinical and radiological status of traumatic brain injury. Nonetheless, studies of larger cohorts in which IL-8 levels are measured at all stages of brain injury and follow-up of long-term prognosis are warranted.