Serum biochemical markers for brain damage in children with emphasis on mild head injury

Despite the high incidence of mild pediatric head injuries, only within the past few years has there been increased interest and research in this area. This interest began when the findings from research done in adult patients showed that the effects of mild closed head injuries could interfere significantly with higher cognitive functioning, which impacted daily activities and employment. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often involves a combination of mechanical trauma and local hypoxemia, on which serum biomarker concentrations may provide critical therapeutic data to time the brain injury. Biochemical serum markers after TBI may be used as a source for the identification of the injury, the extent of the injury and the time of its occurrence, and even for identifying its most likely outcome. This article discusses current research and theories regarding biochemical serum markers in brain injury with an emphasis on their impact on and utility in mild head injury in children.