Macrophage migration inhibitory factor as a serum prognostic marker in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract Background Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has been implicated in inflammation. We clarified whether serum MIF could be used as a marker of inflammation, brain damage and outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Methods Serum samples from 102 aSAH adults and 102 healthy controls were determined. The World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) scale was used for neurological evaluation and radiological severity was estimated in accordance with the Fisher scale. Results Serum MIF, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and S100B concentrations were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Serum MIF concentrations correlated with WFNS scores and Fisher scores and serum concentrations of CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and S100B. Serum MIF was identified as an independent predictor for 6-month unfavorable outcome (defined as Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1–4). Area under receiver operating characteristic curve of serum MIF concentrations was similar to those of WFNS scores, Fisher scores and serum S100B concentrations and significantly exceeded those of serum CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations. Conclusions Serum MIF provides information about inflammation, brain injury severity and outcome after aSAH, which can be useful as a complement to clinical data.