[The value of serum myelin basic protein in assessment of severity of acute closed head trauma].

Serum levels of myelin basic protein (MBP) were measured in 112 patients after acute head injury by enzyme linked immuno-absorbent assay (ELISA). Patients with cerebral concussion showed no significant change in serum MBP. Patients with cerebral contusion, extradural hematoma or intracerebral hematoma had a mean serum MBP concentration much higher than that of patients with cerebral concussion. And patients with extradural hematoma had a mean serum MBP concentration much lower than that of patients with cerebral contusion and intracerebral hematoma; the differences were significant (P < 0.05). But there was no significant difference between patients with cerebral contusion and intracerebral hematoma (P > 0.05). The amount of serum MBP was significantly correlated with the volume of extradural hematoma, intracerebral hematoma and with the extent of the cerebral contusion (P < 0.05). This study suggested that the serum MBP may reflect the type and severity of closed head injury patients.