Early Detection of Glioma: Investigating Inflammatory Markers (CRP), Kidney, and Liver Function.

Abstract

Background: Glioma, a global concern, a rare but aggressive brain cancer, poses a unique challenge for health scientists. The diagnosis solely depends on Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which are effective but may lead to misinterpretation.

Objective: The present study explores outcomes and develops effective strategies for early detection of glioma. The study also focuses on exploring a comprehensive panel of blood biochemical parameters in this challenging landscape.

Methods: A retrospective study included all adults above 18 years (n=78) diagnosed with Glioma and admitted to King Abdullah Medical City, Mecca. Routine blood biochemistry of whole blood was performed, showing Glioma either IDH mutant or Wild type detected via standard protocol.

Results: Demographic variations categorized by age, gender, nationality, Glioma types, and subtypes, revealing a predominant occurrence in the 51-60 age range. Among gliomas, 33.3% were IDH Mutant, while the remaining 66.7% were Wild type, with Glioblastoma (wild type) being the most prevalent at 64.1%. Creatinine levels (0.60 ± 0.17 mg/dL, p<0.2) and urea levels (4.14 ± 1.55 mg/dL, p<0.05) were lower in females, while alkaline phosphatase (74.90 ± 25.17 uL, p<0.3) and total bilirubin (0.38 ± 0.20 mg/dL, p<0.01) also showed significant differences. Neutrophils were significantly lower in females (4.51 ± 2.31 uL, p<0.01), with elevated lymphocytes (7.46 ± 3.14 uL) and CRP (4.65 ± 7.98 mg/dL, p<0.001). The mutant type had lower levels of ALP (78.46 ± 29.08 uL), AST (22.30 ± 11.06 uL), ALT (30.06 ± 19.22 uL), and GGT (66.15 ± 40.76 uL) compared to the wild type (ALP: 86.98 ± 30.33 uL, AST: 29.98 ± 15.10 uL, ALT: 36.32 ± 20.94 uL, GGT: 83.44 ± 45.91 uL). GGT showed significant variation (p<0.01), with higher neutrophil levels in the wild type (5.69 ± 4.12 uL) compared to the mutant (3.82 ± 2.28 uL). Lymphocytes (4.84 ± 22.94 uL) and CRP (4.29 ± 6.87 mg/dL) were significantly higher (p<0.001) in the wild type.

Conclusion: Altered KFL and LFT in Mutant and wild-form Glioma depend upon the gender of patients. Combining these biochemical parameters with existing imaging modalities such as MRI and CT could potentiate the diagnostic accuracy of Glioma, offering a more comprehensive approach to patient care. While insightful, the findings do not replace the crucial role of imaging techniques but could complement them in a multi-model diagnostic approach.