Sport-related concussion (SRC) is a common injury that affects patients across all demographics. For athletes, SRC can have significant consequences impacting their ability to return to participation in sport. Currently, there is no ‘gold-standard’ method for the diagnosis of SRC. Diagnosis is largely qualitative and based on the evaluation of signs, symptoms, and cognitive function by a medically trained professional, which can be subject to interpretation. Furthermore, predicting recovery from SRC is challenging, and it is difficult to say when an athlete may safely return to activity.
Researchers from the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge have identified a group of 18 urinary metabolites, which together give a biomarker signature for diagnosing SRC. Three of these metabolites are correlated with increased symptom burden, prolonging the time before an athlete can return to sport. Urine samples, which are fast and simple to collect, are analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) metabolomics, which provides a quantitative measurement of metabolism.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
- Diagnosis of SRC
- Prediction of recovery from SRC to indicate when athletes are fit to return to sport
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
- Rapid and non-invasive assay for diagnosing and estimating recovery following SRC
- Non-invasive sample collection by the patient – does not require a healthcare professional
- A quantitative approach for diagnosing SRC or predicting recovery – does not rely on subjective interpretation of signs and symptoms
STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
- Clinical data available
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Provisional patent application filed
- Researcher profile: Dr. Chantal Debert
PUBLICATION AND CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY