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Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Systems Analysis of the Neuroinflammatory and Hemodynamic Response to Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: May 27, 2022
Serum S-100B protein as a molecular marker in severe traumatic brain injury
Andreas Raabe1, Olaf Kopetsch, Alina Woszczyk
1Department of Neurosurgery, Neurocenter, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. A.Raabe@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Purpose:
There is growing evidence that S-100B protein may be used as a novel biochemical marker of brain cell damage, measured by a simple blood test. In this paper, we summarize the current knowledge about S-100B serum measurements in severe head injury and address actual controversies.
Methods:
The material of the present analysis consists of a MEDLINE literature search for S-100 and severe head injury from 1966 to 2003. Studies of S-100B in severe head injury were reviewed for their information about the potential clinical value of this marker.
Results:
A total of 18 clinical studies were identified and reviewed. Peak values of serum S-100B were demonstrated to have the highest correlation to any endpoint parameter. Admission values also have a significant correlation to injury severity and outcome but show a highly time dependent temporal course. There is extracranial release of S-100B in multitrauma patients in the first 48 hours, but the impact is limited as many studies have found a clear relationship between S-100B and injury severity, imaging findings and outcome.
Conclusion:
S-100B belongs to a new generation of molecular serum markers of brain damage. These markers will have potential as a surrogate outcome marker or monitoring parameters for both clinical and experimental settings.
