IL-6 polymorphism associated with fatal outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test whether a functional polymorphism (-174C/G) located in the promoter region of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene is associated with primary short-term outcome (death or Intensive Care Unit discharge) in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: The study group consisted of 77 male patients who suffered severe TBI. The -174C/G IL-6 polymorphism was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction digestion. RESULTS: Severe TBI was associated with a 44% mortality rate. The GG genotype was significantly more frequent in the survivor group than in non-surviving patients (67% vs 41%; p =?0.038); similarly, the IL-6 -174G allele was more frequent in the survivor group than in non-surviving patients (81% vs 65%; p =0.031). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that genetic variation regarding inflammatory response has significant impact on the short-term outcome for patients after acute severe TBI.