Project Details
Description
PROJECT SUMMARY
There are nearly three million mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) in the U.S. each year, and most occur in
patients less than 21 years of age. Clinical assessment of mTBI relies on symptom surveys that cannot
accurately predict the duration of symptoms or objectively identify brain recovery. A biologic test would allow
physicians to provide individualized recommendations for school and athletics participation, prescribe timely
pharmacologic treatments, or initiate early psychosocial services in patients at risk for persistent post-
concussion symptoms (PPCS). Non-coding ribonucleic acids (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs, are epi-
transcriptional molecules that are altered in patients with mTBI. They can be measured in peripheral biofluids
such as serum, or even saliva. Our previous research demonstrates that ncRNA changes in cerebrospinal fluid
are reflected in saliva, and that saliva ncRNA levels can predict PPCS. Validation of these findings in a large,
independent cohort could yield a biologic measure of PPCS risk (Aim 1), and guide individualized clinical
management decisions (Aim 2). This scientific premise forms the basis for our proposed multi-center study. We
will enroll 750 adolescents (ages 13-18 years) with mTBI, defined by the World Health Organization and Berlin
Consensus Criteria. We will measure levels of saliva ncRNAs enriched in neuronal and glial exosomes at
acute (
Status | Finished |
---|---|
Effective start/end date | 1/1/20 → 12/31/24 |
Funding
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: $631,685.00
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