Serum protein S100B and nucleated red blood cell counts as early markers of cerebral damage in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

Abstract

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Unfortunately, there are no reliable methods to detect brain damage in these patients. The aim of this study is to investigate whether measurement of serum levels of protein S100B and nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) counts in asphyxiated full-term newborns could be a useful tool for early detection of post asphyxia brain damage. Thirty full term infants with different grades of HIE together with twenty matched controls were enrolled in the study. Serum samples were collected before the lapse of second hour after birth and samples repeated in the second and third days of life for detection of NRBCs count and level of protein S100B. Serum protein S100B and NRBCs counts were significantly increased in HIE group versus control group (P < 0.05). In day 3, level of NRBC was not significantly higher in HIE group versus control (P > 0.05). Serum protein S100B and NRBCs counts significantly increased in with increasing HIE severity (P < 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for protein S100B, which was higher day 3 (96.7% and 95%, respectively). For nucleated red blood cells, sensitivity and specificity were highest at first day (96.6% and 100%, respectively). From the present study it is concluded that serum protein S100B and NRBCs count are useful tools for prediction of brain damage and the expected course of HIE patients.

Keywords

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy - protein S100B - nucleated red blood cells