Serum levels of neurofilament light chain, neuron-specific enolase and S100 calcium-binding protein B during acute bacterial meningitis: A prospective cohort study

Mads Byskov Grønhøj*, Tobias Sejbæk, Rasmus Würgler Hansen, Lykke Larsen, Morten Dahl, Jens Schierbeck, Frantz Rom Poulsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is a severe disease with an overall poor outcome. Neurofilament (NFL) has shown to be a promising biomarker of neuroaxonal injury in various neurological disorders but has not been investigated in ABM. The aims of this study were (i) to obtain a temporal profile of NFL, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100B in serum during ABM, and (ii) to evaluate their use as biomarkers of severity (Glasgow coma score) and prognosis (Glasgow Outcome Score, GOS and death) in severe ABM. Methods: Fifteen adults with severe community-acquired ABM who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. Lumbar puncture and blood tests were performed on admission, and blood tests were performed three times daily during the ICU stay. GOS was obtained day 30. Results: Serum NFL was significantly elevated in ABM patients compared to healthy controls, both at admission and throughout the observation period (p <.01). NFL increased significantly from day 1 up to day 3–6 (p <.0001), peaking day 6. NSE increased significantly from admission up to day 3 (p <.01). At day 5–6, the serum values were not significantly different from values at admission. The highest median serum value of S100B was observed at admission (0.10 µg/L, IQR 0.06–0.14), significantly decreasing day 4–6 (p <.05). None of the investigated biomarkers revealed significant correlation with severity and prognosis. Conclusion: This study represents a first clinical observation of the temporal profile of NFL in serum, in severe ABM. No correlation with severity or prognosis.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInfectious Diseases
Volume53
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)409-419
ISSN2374-4235
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2021

Keywords

  • Neurofilament light chain
  • bacterial meningitis
  • neuron-specific enolase
  • serum protein S100 calcium-binding protein B

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