Effects of Traumatic Amputation on β-Trace Protein and β2-Microglobulin Concentrations in Male Soldiers

BACKGROUND: Serum creatinine (SCr) levels are decreased following traumatic amputation, leading to the overestimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). β-Trace protein (BTP) and β2-microglobulin (B2M) strongly correlate with measured GFR and have not been studied following amputation. We hypothesized that BTP and B2M would be unaffected by traumatic amputation.

METHODS: We used the Department of Defense Serum Repository to compare pre- and post-traumatic amputation serum BTP and B2M levels in 33 male soldiers, via the N Latex BTP and B2M nephelometric assays (Siemens Diagnostics, Tarrytown, N.Y., USA). Osterkamp estimation using DEXA scan measurements was used to establish percent estimated body weight loss (%EBWL). Results were analyzed for small (3-5.9% EBWL), medium (6-13.5%), and large (>13.5%) amputation subgroups; and for a control group matched 1:1 to the 12 large amputation subjects. Paired Student's t test was used for comparisons.

RESULTS: Mean serum BTP levels were unchanged in controls, all amputees, and the small and medium amputation subgroups. BTP appeared to decrease following large %EBWL amputation (p = 0.05). Mean serum B2M levels were unchanged in controls, all amputees, and the small and medium amputation subgroups. B2M appeared to increase following large %EBWL amputation (p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: BTP and B2M levels are less affected than SCr by amputation, and should be considered for future study of GFR estimation. BTP and B2M changes following large %EBWL amputation require validation and may offer insight into non-GFR BTP and B2M determinants as well as increased cardiovascular disease and mortality following amputation.