ePoster

Intervention with a medical multi-nutrient in traumatic brain injury – a feasibility trial

Isabell Nessel, Simon C. Dyall, Laus M. Broersen, Arnoud Carol, Ardy van Helvoort, Adina T. Michael-Titus, Christopher E. G. Uff
FENS Forum 2024(2024)
Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Conference

FENS Forum 2024

Messe Wien Exhibition & Congress Center, Vienna, Austria

Resources

Authors & Affiliations

Isabell Nessel, Simon C. Dyall, Laus M. Broersen, Arnoud Carol, Ardy van Helvoort, Adina T. Michael-Titus, Christopher E. G. Uff

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity, including long-lasting cognitive impairment – linked to disrupted brain connectivity. Phospholipids (PL) are key components of cellular membranes, also essential for synaptic structural integrity. It has been shown that the multi-nutrient combination Souvenaid® which contains PL precursors, improves neurological outcomes in experimental TBI. We hypothesised that this intervention could support brain recovery, and we tested the feasibility of providing this multi-nutrient to TBI patients.In a randomised, placebo-controlled, feasibility trial, adult patients with TBI, at the Royal London Hospital, London, UK, were recruited within 7 days of injury to receive either the medical multi-nutrient Souvenaid or an isocaloric placebo, daily for 6 months (NUTRA-TBI; NCT04418440). Cognitive tests (CANTAB battery for TBI), and blood sample collection were performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months.16 patients completed the study, which was not formally powered - therefore, results are exploratory. The omega-3 index improved significantly in the intervention group and was significantly higher than in the placebo group at the end of trial, indicating compliance. Similarly, other nutritional markers improved over time. Neurofilament L (NFL) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) plasma levels decreased significantly over time in the Souvenaid-treated group. Intervention patients, more than placebo patients, improved over time in several cognitive measures.The medical multi-nutrient was well tolerated, indicating feasibility of this intervention in TBI. Although exploratory, the results indicate that Souvenaid improved nutritional status post-TBI and there are potential benefits of the intervention on functional recovery.

Unique ID: fens-24/intervention-with-medical-multi-nutrient-36ca0a05