Understanding Gene Expression Changes in Trauma Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Keyur H. Desai, Chuen Seng Tan, Jeffrey T. Leek, Ronald V. Maier, Ronald G. Tompkins, John D. Storey
Primary Institution: Princeton University
Hypothesis
Can early gene expression changes predict long-term complications in trauma patients?
Conclusion
The study identifies specific gene expression changes that are associated with longer-term complications in trauma patients, which could improve outcome predictions.
Supporting Evidence
- A quarter of the genome shows early expression changes associated with longer-term post-injury complications.
- Early down-regulation of MHC-class II genes and up-regulation of p38 MAPK signaling pathway were found to strongly associate with longer-term complications.
- The study developed a statistical framework to model early within-patient expression changes.
Takeaway
Doctors studied how genes change in trauma patients to figure out who might get worse later. They found some important clues in the genes that could help treat these patients better.
Methodology
The study followed 168 trauma patients for 28 days, measuring clinical variables and gene expression using microarrays.
Potential Biases
There was no physician or severity of illness bias in the sample collection process.
Limitations
Gene expression was measured in total blood leukocytes, which may confound results due to changes in individual leukocyte subpopulations.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 16-55 years, with 107 males and 61 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website