Combined cerebrospinal fluid sCD163, MMP-9, with serum NCAM1 protein levels for predicting the prognosis of patients with tuberculous meningitis

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most serious type of tuberculosis infection, and there is a lack of accurate diagnostic targets for TBM. Therefore, it is of great clinical and public health significance to find a specific target for early diagnosis and prediction of the prognosis of TBM. From January 2021 to February 2024, 110 TBM patients and 122 patients with non-tumor, non-infectious headaches were admitted to Hunan Chest Hospital. To compare the two groups, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of sCD163 and MMP-9, as well as serum NCAM1 protein levels, were detected by ELISA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis or Spearman analysis was then performed to investigate the correlation between these protein levels and the MRC (Medical Research Council) stage or the short-term prognosis in TBM patients. sCD163 and MMP-9 were elevated in the CSF of TBM patients compared to controls. Oppositely, the protein levels of serum NCAM1 was decreased. The levels of CSF sCD163, MMP-9 and serum NCAM1 are associated with MRC stage and short-term prognosis of TBM patients, and the combined CSF sCD163, MMP-9 and serum NCAM1 have the best value in predicting the short-term prognosis of TBM patients.