Cognitive function and biomarkers after traumatic brain injury: protocol for a prospective inception cohort study

Abstract

Background: Traumatic brain injury is a high-incidence condition that can cause severe cognitive impairment. At present, functional magnetic resonance imaging is used to analyze changes in brain function and network connectivity at different stages of injury. In addition, tau protein expression in nerve cells may reflect cognitive function. However, the combined use of functional magnetic resonance imaging and tau measurement to assess cognitive function following traumatic brain injury has not yet been investigated. Methods/Design: A prospective inception cohort study will be performed at the 101 st Hospital of PLA, Wuxi, China. We will conduct a follow-up visit in 100 patients with traumatic brain injury. Cognitive function will be assessed within 24 hours of injury and 0.5, 1, and 2 years after injury. Primary outcomes will be the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score, functional magnetic resonance imaging results, and tau protein level in the cerebrospinal fluid. Secondary outcomes will include Mini-Mental State Examination Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale scores. We will assess cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury and analyze its correlation with functional imaging indexes and tau levels in the cerebrospinal fluid. Discussion: This trial has been designed to determine whether functional imaging indexes and tau level in the cerebrospinal fluid can predict recovery of cognitive function in patients with traumatic brain injury. It will provide objective evidence for the clinical prevention and treatment of cognitive dysfunction following traumatic brain injury. Trial registration: This trial was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-16008574) on 31 May 2016. Ethics: Approved by the Ethics Committee of the 101 st Hospital of PLA, China (approval number: L2016002), the study protocol will be performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki, formulated by the World Medical Association. Informed consent: Written informed consent will be obtained from participants or their guardians.