We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Blood Tests Can Reveal Brain Damage Caused by Neurosurgery

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 01 Jun 2023

Currently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the go-to method following brain surgery to determine potential damage to the patient's brain. More...

MRI is useful for detecting signs of hemorrhage and areas of the brain affected by ischemia due to poor blood flow. However, its limitations lie in providing an accurate estimate of the degree of cell injury. Now, it may be possible to assess damage to the brains of patients operated on for brain tumors by measuring biomarkers in the pre-and post-surgery. The increase in these markers is correlated with the damage caused by inadequate blood flow, according to the findings of a new study.

Researchers at The University of Gothenburg (Gothenburg, Sweden) investigated the biomarkers, namely neurofilament light (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and tau protein, in patients operated on for brain tumors. The role of these biomarkers in neurological diseases, especially Alzheimer's and other dementias, and in patients with traumatic brain injuries, has been well researched. NfL is indicative of nerve cell fiber damage, GFAP signifies injury to the brain's supporting cells, while tau points to nerve cell impairment.

In the present study, 34 adult patients diagnosed with glioma, a common brain tumor type, were included. The biomarkers' concentration was first measured a day before surgery, then successively on days one, three, five, and ten post-operation. The study found that the blood markers' levels were in sync with both the degree of injury from oxygen deprivation during surgery and the severity of the neurological deficit experienced by the patients. This means that the practice of measuring blood biomarkers could potentially pave the way for a novel approach to assess neurosurgery-induced injuries, consequently facilitating the comparison of different surgical methodologies.

“It’s also conceivable that high levels of these markers might be signs of damage that could cause brain fatigue or other cognitive problems for the patients in the somewhat longer term,” said Isak Michaëlsson, a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg and resident in neurosurgery at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. “If so, the markers could be used to identify patients at an early stage so that they get the right kind of rehabilitation.”

Related Links:
The University of Gothenburg


Gold Member
Veterinary Hematology Analyzer
Exigo H400
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Gold Member
Blood Gas Analyzer
Stat Profile pHOx
New
Celiac Disease Test
Anti-Gliadin IgG ELISA
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: A simple blood test could replace surgical biopsies for early detecion of heart transplant rejection (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Blood Test Detects Organ Rejection in Heart Transplant Patients

Following a heart transplant, patients are required to undergo surgical biopsies so that physicians can assess the possibility of organ rejection. Rejection happens when the recipient’s immune system identifies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.