Erythropoietin Does Not Alter Serum Profiles of Neuronal and Axonal Biomarkers After Traumatic Brain Injury: Findings From the Australian EPO-TBI Clinical Trial

Abstract

Serum ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy-chain increase after traumatic brain injury reflecting early neuronal and progressive axonal injury. Consistent with lack of improved outcome in traumatic brain injury patients treated with erythropoietin, biomarker concentrations and profiles were not affected by erythropoietin. Pharmacokinetics of erythropoietin suggest that the dose given was possibly too low to exert neuroprotection.