Seminars in Neurosurgery 2003; 14(2): 147-158
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42770
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

The Future Impact of Translational Research in Traumatic Brain Injury

Anders Lewén, Pelle Nilsson, Per Enblad
  • Department of Neuroscience, Neurosurgery, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Publikationsdatum:
02. Oktober 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI) has improved during the past three decades. This has mainly been accomplished through improved neurointensive care. Neuroprotective drugs have been disappointing in past clinical trials, and TBI remains one of few common severe illnesses completely without specific pharmacological therapy. One of the biggest challenges for brain trauma research is finding a way to translate preclinical results to the clinical care of the patients. It is hoped that advances in the understanding of basic molecular injury mechanisms and the possible association of genetic profile with outcome after TBI will soon provide better opportunities for drug development. In this review, we summarize some of the pathophysiological pathways targeted for pharmacological intervention in TBI patients. In order to achieve therapeutic success in the future, the advancement in basic science must develop in concert with standardized methods for monitoring and analyzing neurointensive care data between different trauma centers. The European collaboration BrainIT is a first step in this direction. With this type of approach, neuroprotective drugs may also prove to be beneficial in the clinical setting.