Abstract 10

Background: Protein S-100, a cytosolic constituent of neuroglial cells has recently been established as a potential marker for cerebral damage after cardio-thoracic surgery, stroke, and resuscitation of adults. Normal serum values in adults are below 0.5 µg/l and may rise up to 5 µg/l after hypoxia. Aim: To evaluate reference values of S-100 and levels of newborns with HIE. Patients and Materials: Serum samples of healthy term neonates (n=50, gestational age 39+6 weeks, birth weight 3460g, umbilical artery pH 7.29; median values) were sequentially evaluated during the first week of life. In addition, S-100 serum levels of 5 newborns with HIE were analysed with a radio-immuno assay(Byk Sangtec, D). Results: Reference values (µg/l) are shown in the table. In 5 newborns with HIE increased concentrations of S-100 have been found at day 1, the maximum values ranged from 3.4 - 44.9 µg/l. In 4 babies with mild HIE Protein S-100 levels were decreased to normal values within one day.

Table 1
Full size table

Conclusions: Compared to reported data from adults, healthy newborns showed higher Protein S-100 serum levels. Preliminary data suggest that Protein S-100 may possibly have a potential role as a predictive marker of cerebral damage in newborns.