OBJECTIVETo explore the correlation of serum estradiol, testosterone and their ratio to the injury severity score (ISS) and Glasgow coma score (GCS) in patients with multiple traumatic injuries.

METHODSThe serum levels of estradiol and testosterone were determined by radioimmunoassay double antibody precipitation method in 95 patients with multiple traumatic injuries within 24 h after trauma. The patients were grouped according to the ISS or GCS (in cases with craniocerebral injury) for comparison of the serum estradiol and testosterone levels with those in 15 normal individuals.

RESULTSIn the acute stage of multiple trauma, a distinct declination of testosterone and a marked increment of estradiol were observed, and the changes were closely related to the severity of the trauma .The serum levels of estradiol and testosterone and their ratio differed significantly between patients with severe trauma (ISS>25) and the other groups (P<0.01), and also between patients with craniocerebral injury (with GCS of 3-5 or 5-8) and the other groups (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSerum estradiol and testosterone levels and their ratio are correlated to the severity of trauma and craniocerebral injuries, and may serve as indicators for evaluating the trauma severity and prognosis of the traumatic patients.