Impact of neuroprotective agents on mortality and neurological outcomes in traumatic brain injury patients from road traffic accidents

Background: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly those resulting from road traffic accidents. Secondary brain injury mechanisms, such as inflammation and oxidative stress, play significant roles in exacerbating outcomes. Neuroprotective agents have been suggested to mitigate these effects, but empirical support for their effectiveness remains mixed. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of neuroprotective agents on mortality and neurological outcomes in patients with TBIs from road traffic accidents. Materials and Methods: In a prospective cohort study at a tertiary care center, 150 patients with moderate to severe TBI were randomized into two groups: One receiving standard care plus neuroprotective agents (magnesium sulfate, progesterone, citicoline, amantadine, erythropoietin, and N-acetylcysteine) and the other receiving standard care alone. Primary outcomes measured were mortality and neurological function using the Glasgow outcome scale at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and the incidence of adverse events. Results: Although the reduction in mortality was not statistically significant (16% in the treatment group vs. 28% in the control group, P=0.22), there was a significant improvement in the Glasgow outcome scale scores (4.2 in the treatment group vs. 3.6 in the control group, P=0.01). The treatment group also experienced a shorter ICU stay compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that neuroprotective agents may enhance neurological recovery in TBI patients, with a potential trend toward reduced mortality. These results support the incorporation of neuroprotective agents into the management protocols for TBI patients, although further large-scale studies are needed to confirm these benefits and optimize treatment strategies.