Seeking to strengthen TBI treatment

VCU researchers began work on a nationwide study examining the use of progesterone, a steroid hormone that occurs naturally in the body, to treat patients with acute, severe traumatic brain injuries. The NIH Phase III clinical trial, called ProTECT III, is being conducted at 17 institutions in the country, with VCU Medical Center being the only participating hospital in Virginia.

Previous studies have suggested that progesterone, given immediately after a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, may reduce brain swelling and damage. This study will examine if treatment with progesterone for the first four days following a TBI improves outcomes for these patients.

TBI is a major cause of premature death and disability worldwide. In the U.S., approximately 2 million Americans sustain a TBI annually, leading to 50,000 deaths and 235,000 hospitalizations. As yet, no therapy has been found to be effective for reducing mortality and improving functional outcomes.