Affiliations: Department of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter, Johann
Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Note: [] Correspondence address: Andreas Raabe, MD, PhD, Department of
Neurosurgery, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Schleusenweg
2-16, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Tel.: +49 69 6301 5295; Fax: +49 69
6301 7175; E-mail: A.Raabe@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Abstract: Purpose: There is growing evidence that S-100B protein may be used
as a novel biochemical marker of brain cell damage, measured by a simple blood
test. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge about S-100B serum
measurements in severe head injury and address actual controversies. Methods: The material of the present analysis consists of a MEDLINE
literature search for S-100 and severe head injury from 1966 to 2003. Studies
of S-100B in severe head injury were reviewed for their information about the
potential clinical value of this marker. Results: A total of 18 clinical studies were identified and
reviewed. Peak values of serum S-100B were demonstrated to have the highest
correlation to any endpoint parameter. Admission values also have a significant
correlation to injury severity and outcome but show a highly time dependent
temporal course. There is extracranial release of S-100B in multitrauma
patients in the first 48 hours, but the impact is limited as many studies have
found a clear relationship between S-100B and injury severity, imaging findings
and outcome. Conclusion: S-100B belongs to a new generation of molecular serum
markers of brain damage. These markers will have potential as a surrogate
outcome marker or monitoring parameters for both clinical and experimental
settings.
Keywords: S-100 protein, severe head injury, prognosis, outcome
