Association between serum concentrations of anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 protein and traumatic brain injury mortality

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background There are scarce and contradictory data existing about B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), one of the Bcl2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins, in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze whether blood concentrations of Bcl2 are associated with mortality. Methods Patients with isolated and severe TBI, defined as <10 points of the Injury Severity Score (ISS) in non-cranial aspects and <9 points in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), were included. This was an observational and prospective study carried out in five Intensive Care Units. Serum Bcl2 concentrations on day 1 of TBI were determined. Results Serum Bcl2 concentrations were lower (p < 0.001) in surviving patients (n = 59) compared to non-survivors (n = 24). We found an association between serum Bcl2 levels and mortality controlling for age and GCS (OR = 1.149; 95% CI = 1.056–1.251; p = 0.001) and controlling for computer tomography findings (OR = 1.147; 95% CI = 1.056–1.246; p = 0.001). Conclusions This study reports for the first time an association between serum Bcl2 levels and 30-day mortality in TBI patients.