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To determine the usefulness of S-100β, a marker for central nervous system damage, in the prediction of long-term outcomes after mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) Hypothesis: Mid- and long-term outcomes of MTBI (i.e. 3, 6 and 12 months post-injury and return-to-work or school (RTWS)) may be predicted based on pre-injury and injury factors as well as S-100β.MTBI subjects without abnormal brain computed tomography requiring intervention, focal neurological deficits, seizures, amnesia 24 hours and severe or multiple injuries were recruited at a level I trauma centre. Admission S-100β measurements and baseline Concussion Symptom Checklist were obtained. Symptoms and RTWS were re-assessed at follow-up visits (3-10 days and 3, 6 and 12 months). Outcomes included number of symptoms and RTWS at follow-up. Chi-square tests, linear and logistic regression models were used and p 0.05 was considered statistically significant.One hundred and fifty of 180 study subjects had S-100β results. Eleven per cent were unable to RTWS at 12 months. S-100β levels were not associated with post-concussive symptomatology at follow-up. In addition, no association was found between S-100β levels and RTWS.Amongst MTBI patients, S-100β levels are not associated with prolonged post-concussive syndrome or the inability to RTWS.

The authors investigated whether impulsivity and depression affect the success of interventions to reduce alcohol use. Unadjusted and adjusted regression models were constructed to analyze the effect of impulsivity and depression on 12-month outcomes of participants of a trauma center based randomized trial of brief personalized motivational interventions versus information and advice. Of 497 problem drinkers enrolled in the program, 248 completed the 12-month follow-up. Impulsivity, male gender, being older than 35, and intentional mechanism of injury had a direct association with drinking. After interventions, a decrease in drinking was found that was unaffected by the presence of impulsivity or depression indicators.