The usefulness of assessing the serum levels of S-100 protein in patients with ischemic stroke.

Background. It is important to identify new biochemical markers of strokes to monitor and predict the neurological outcome, as well as to elucidate the multiple molecular mechanisms after ischemic brain infarction. Recently, an elevation of S-100 protein in serum were reported in strokes, but still, different biochemical techniques must be developed as soon as possible in order to help us to improve effective treatment. Modern neuroradiological techniques help to predict the outcome; however, repeating neuroradiological imaging is impractical. The aim of the study was to evaluate the serum levels of S-100 protein after brain infarction in correlation with clinical data and prognosis. Material and methods. S-100 protein serum levels were determined in 47 patients with an acute ischemic brain infarction in the first day (within 12 hours after the onset of symptoms) and sex and age matched control subjects. The clinical status was documented using the Scandinavian Stroke Scale. The functional deficit 4 weeks after stroke onset was scored with the Barthel Index. A cranial computed tomography (CCT) was performed after 2 days. Results. Elevated concentrations of S-100 protein were observed in patients with strokes. The S-100 concentrations in serum were significantly higher in patients with severe neurological deficits at the time of admission and correlated with the functional prognosis. Conclusions. The measurement of S-100 protein in serum is useful to diagnose and predict the outcome in patients after brain infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]