Observing brain biomarkers in severe traumatic brain injury

Biomarkers in the Brain Oxygen Optimization in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Trial (BioBOOST)

Observational University of Pennsylvania · NCT04565119

This study is trying to see how changes in brain markers relate to the severity of brain injuries and recovery in people with severe traumatic brain injuries.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04565119 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study, known as BioBOOST, investigates the relationship between brain physiological parameters and biomarker levels in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. It is a multicenter study that collects biospecimens shortly after injury and at various intervals to analyze acute and sub-acute changes in biomarker levels. The study utilizes data from the BOOST-3 trial, which focuses on goal-directed critical care based on brain tissue oxygen monitoring. The aim is to better understand how these biomarkers correlate with brain injury severity and recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are enrolled in the BOOST-3 trial and can provide proxy informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients who are profoundly anemic or those under the age of 18 will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of brain injury biomarkers, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies for patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in utilizing biomarkers for understanding traumatic brain injury, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Enrolled in BOOST-3 (this is an ancillary study to the BOOST-3 trial)
* BOOST-3 participant is enrolled at a BioBOOST site
* Able to maintain initial blood sample within 24 hours of injury
* Provide proxy informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Profoundly anemic (subjects who are profoundly anemic require blood transfusion)
* Age less than 18 years

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions TBIBiomarkers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.