Neuroanesthesia & neurocritical care
Association between neurofilament light chain concentrations and outcomes in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
An erratum to this article was published (Crit Care, 3 Jun 2026 ↗)
Pooled result · Long-term neurological functionResult — go to the resultSMD 0.45 95% CI 0.33–0.56Authors' conclusion
Higher NfL concentrations were associated with unfavorable neurological outcomes after moderate-to-severe TBI. The association with mortality was more uncertain and should be interpreted with caution given the substantial heterogeneity across studies.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with blood or cerebrospinal fluid NfL measured in the acute phase
- Participants
- 2,905 adults · 14 studies
- Comparison
- NfL concentrations in unfavorable vs favorable outcome
- Outcome
- Long-term neurological function (latest available GOS or GOS-E, dichotomized unfavorable vs favorable)
Methodological detailscohort studies or RCTs, QUADAS-2 adapted risk of bias, GRADE
- Cohort studies or RCTs
- QUADAS-2 adapted risk of bias
- GRADE
Pooled result
Long-term neurological function
SMD
0.45
95% CI 0.33–0.56
Unfavorable outcome vs Favorable outcome
SMD 0.45 (95% CI 0.33–0.56)
As reported in the abstract
Further pooled results
Mortality (any time point)
| SMD (95% CI) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Higher NfL concentrationsI² = 82%; associated with increased mortality | 0.71 (0.04–1.39) | |
| −1012Difference (linear scale) |
- Mortality (any time point) — More consistent association when NfL measured within 24 h after injury
- I² = 0%
- Mortality (any time point): 6 studies, n = 483
Mortality (any time point)
- Certainty of evidence very low (risk of bias, inconsistency, imprecision)
Original publication
Association between neurofilament light chain concentrations and outcomes in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Care. Published 4 May 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →