Biochemical parameters of recovery in acute severe head injury.

Levels of urinary catecholamines (noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine), plasma acetylcholinesterase, serum serotonin and plasma 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol were recorded in 38 adult subjects during the first 21 days after severe head injury. Levels of acetylcholinesterase, serotonin and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol differed significantly between survivors and those who died. For survivors, initially abnormal biochemical levels recovered toward the norm as time after injury progressed.