Prognostic value of on-admission IL-6, lactate, base deficit, ESR, and CRP in a prospective study of multiple trauma patients

Interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum lactate, base deficit (BD), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were assessed for their prognostic value in predicting mortality and clinical outcomes in trauma patients. A prospective, observational study was conducted at Poursina Educational Trauma Center between May and August 2023, enrolling 114 patients with moderate to severe injuries (Injury Severity Score > 12). Admission data, including demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters, were collected, with in-hospital mortality and length of stay as primary outcomes. The overall mortality rate was 11.4%, with non-survivors presenting with higher Injury Severity Scores, lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores, and elevated IL-6 and lactate levels. ROC analysis identified IL-6 as the most accurate predictor of mortality (AUC = 0.948), followed by BD and lactate, while CRP and ESR had limited predictive value. IL-6 demonstrated superior prognostic accuracy for early mortality, although BD and lactate remain crucial in resource-limited settings where IL-6 testing may not be feasible. These findings highlight the potential of integrating inflammatory and perfusion biomarkers to improve early risk stratification in trauma care.