Related Experiment Videos
Biochemical markers for brain damage after carbon monoxide poisoning
L S Rasmussen1, M G Poulsen, M Christiansen
1Department of Anesthesia, Center of Head and Orthopedics, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhage, Denmark. lsr@rh.dk
Background:
Carbon monoxide poisoning is associated with high mortality and a substantial risk for brain damage in survivors. Evidence for acute brain dysfunction may be obtained by measuring concentrations of suitable biochemical markers. We hypothesized that increased serum concentrations of Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100beta protein could be detected after carbon monoxide poisoning and that the concentration would correlate with the severity of intoxication.
Methods:
Prospective non-interventional study in the university hospital. We included 20 patients admitted for hyperbaric treatment due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Serum levels of NSE and S-100beta protein were measured in all patients on admission and after 12, 24, 36 and 48 h. As a control group, we included 20 patients who underwent elective hyperbaric treatment.
Results:
Serum concentrations of NSE and S-100beta protein were not significantly different from the controls, with median values at admission being 10.6 vs. 9.7 microg l(-1) and 0.15 vs. 0.13 microg l(-1), respectively (P = 0.82 and P = 0.38). The concentrations did not change significantly during the sampling period. We were unable to show any significant relation to level of consciousness.
Conclusion:
Blood concentrations of NSE and S-100beta protein were not significantly increased after carbon monoxide poisoning and do not seem to be related to a history of unconsciousness.