Neuropediatrics 2005; 36 - P91
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-868076

Protein S-100B as a serum marker of brain damage in paediatric brain injury

M Kieslich 1, L Deußen 1, S Vlaho 1, V Boda 1, S Dittrich 1, B Gebhardt 1, R Gerlach 2, I Marzi 3
  • 1J. W. Goethe Universität, Zentrum für Kinderheilkunde und Jugendmedizin, Klinik I, Pädiatrische Neurologie, Frankfurt am Main
  • 2J. W. Goethe Universität, Zentrum für Neurochirurgie, Frankfurt am Main
  • 3J. W. Goethe Universität, Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Frankfurt am Main

Objectives: Protein S-100B is a brain specific protein. In case of astro-glial damage with consecutive disturbance of the haematoencephalic barrier the serum protein S-100B concentration is increased.

Does this serum level correlate with the severity and prognosis of paediatric brain injury?

Material and Methods: Prospective study of 45 children between 4 month and 17 years with traumatic brain injuries of different severeties. Protein S-100B concentrations were analysed in the first postraumatic 24 hours by an immuneluminometric assay.

Results: The serum concentrations ranged between 0,05 and 3,05 ug/l (mean 0,46 ug/l). 67% had a mild (>0,15 ug/l) and 24% a significant increase (>0,5 ug/l). Increased levels correlated with the severity of vigilance disturbance (Glasgow Coma Scale), the duration of vigilance disturbance (Lange-Cosack Scale) and the neurological outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale).

Conclusions: The posttraumatic protein S-100B serumlevel can help as a marker for the severity and prognosis of paediatric traumatic brain injury in the assessment and initiation of diagnostic, therapeutic and rehabilitation procedures.