Relationship Between Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels and Neurological Complications in Patients with Intracranial Tumor

Background and Aim: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) plays a vital role in neuronal survival and plasticity. Deficits in BDNF are associated with neurological disorders, including complications such as delirium and seizures in patients with intracranial tumors. This study aimed to explore the relationship between serum BDNF levels and neurological complications in intracranial tumor patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Adam Malik Hospital, Medan, from August to October 2024, involving patients diagnosed with intracranial tumors. Serum BDNF levels were measured, delirium was assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), and seizures were observed clinically. Results: Among 50 patients (58% female, mean age 50.56 years), delirium was the most common neurological complication (32%). One-Way ANOVA revealed a significant association between BDNF levels and neurological complications (p < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis showed significant differences between groups (p < 0.001), but no significant difference was found between the seizure and non-complication groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Lower BDNF levels are significantly associated with delirium in intracranial tumor patients, suggesting that BDNF may serve as a potential biomarker for neurological complications in this population.