Wakam GK, Biesterveld BE, Pai MP, Kemp MT, O’Connell RL, Rajanayake KK, Chtraklin K, Vercruysse CA, Alam HB. A single dose of valproic acid improves neurologic recovery and decreases brain lesion size in swine subjected to an isolated traumatic brain injury.
J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2021;
91:867-871. [PMID:
34695064 PMCID:
PMC8715863 DOI:
10.1097/ta.0000000000003136]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
We lack specific treatments for traumatic brain injury (TBI), which remains the leading cause of trauma-related morbidity and mortality. Treatment with valproic acid (VPA) improves outcomes in models of severe TBI with concurrent hemorrhage. However, it is unknown if VPA will have similar benefits after isolated nonlethal TBI, which is the more common clinical scenario. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of VPA treatment in a preclinical isolated TBI swine model on neurologic outcomes and brain lesion size and to perform detailed pharmacokinetic analyses for a future clinical trial.
METHODS
Yorkshire swine (n = 10; 5/cohort) were subjected to TBI (8-mm controlled cortical impact). An hour later, we randomized them to receive VPA (150 mg/kg) or saline placebo (control). Neuroseverity scores were assessed daily (0 [normal] to 36 [comatose]), brain lesion size was measured on postinjury 3, and serial blood samples were collected for pharmacokinetic studies.
RESULTS
Physiologic parameters and laboratory values were similar in both groups. Valproic acid-treated animals demonstrated significantly better neuroseverity scores on postinjury 1 (control, 9.2 ± 4.4; VPA, 0 ± 0; p = 0.001). Valproic acid-treated animals had significantly smaller brain lesion sizes (mean volume in microliter: control, 3,130 ± 2,166; VPA, 764 ± 208; p = 0.02). Pharmacokinetic data confirmed adequate plasma and tissue levels of VPA.
CONCLUSION
In this clinically relevant model of isolated TBI, a single dose of VPA attenuates neurological impairment and decreases brain lesion size.
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