C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein, whose the blood levels increase rapidly in response to infection, trauma, and other inflammatory conditions. The relation of CRP levels to TBI is not well known. This study is to assess the association of early serum CRP concentrations, with the degree of the brain damage and the prognosis of the patients with the diffuse head injury.

From September 2004 to March 2004, we measured serum CRP at least twice, the first within 2 days (initial; CRPi) and the second between 3 to 7 days (early; CRPe) after the trauma. Serum CRP was measured by immunoturbidity method. In 187 patients, the relationship between the clinical features and serum CRP level was analyzed.

The serum levels of CRPi were not significantly different according to the age, the initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, the outcome, and the operative intervension. High serum levels (20 mg/l<) of CRPe were more common in patients with low GCS (3-12), in patients who underwent surgery, and in patients with poor outcome.

CRPe can be a useful adjuvant, especially in cases of diffuse brain injury where imaging studies are usually less optimal to reveal the severity of TBI.