Dynamic change of serum protein S100b and its clinical significance in patients with traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the dynamic change of serum protein S100b in patients with traumatic brain injury and its clinical value in assessing brain damage. METHODS: According to Glasgow coma scale (GCS), 102 cases of traumatic brain injury were divided into mild brain injury group (GCS > or = 13, n = 31, Group A), moderate brain injury group (8 < GCS < 13, n = 37, Group B) and severe brain injury group (GCS < or = 8, n = 34, Group C). Serial S100b concentrations were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in blood samples taken on admission, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 7 days after traumatic brain injury. RESULTS: The severe brain injury group showed significantly higher concentration of serum S100b, with earlier increase and longer duration, than the mild and moderate brain injury groups. The patients with higher S100b exhibited lower GCS scores and poor clinical prognosis. The increase in S100b could emerge before clinical image evidence indicated so. CONCLUSIONS: Serum S100b can be used as a sensitive index for assessment and prediction of traumatic brain injury severity and prognosis.