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[Serum S100β protein reference values in a paediatric population]
M Arroyo Hernández1, J Rodríguez Suárez2, F Álvarez Menéndez3
1Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital San Agustín, Avilés, Asturias, España.
Insights
Serum S100β protein levels are higher in infants and decrease with age. Reference values for S100β in children aged 0-14 years are established, showing stability after age two.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Biomarker Discovery
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- S100β protein is a potential biomarker for neurological disorders.
- Established reference values for S100β exist in adults but not in children.
- Serum S100β levels in children vary significantly with age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference values for serum S100β protein in healthy children aged 0-14 years.
- To investigate the relationship between serum S100β levels and age in pediatric populations.
- To determine sex-based differences in serum S100β concentrations in children.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 257 healthy children.
- Children categorized into three age groups: under 12 months, 12-24 months, and over 24 months.
- Serum S100β concentrations measured and analyzed across age groups and sexes.
Main Results:
- Mean serum S100β concentration was 0.156 μg/l in children aged 0-14 years.
- Significantly higher S100β levels observed in children under 12 months (0.350 μg/l) compared to older groups.
- Inverse relationship between age and serum S100β; levels decline with increasing age.
- No significant sex-based differences in serum S100β levels were found.
Conclusions:
- Serum S100β concentration is higher in younger children and stabilizes after two years of age.
- A reliable baseline for serum S100β can be established for children over two years old.
- Age is a critical factor influencing serum S100β levels in pediatric populations.
Introduction:
S100β protein has been proposed as a potential biomarker for both chronic and acute neurological disorders. Reference values of this protein are well defined in adults but not in children, in whom serum levels appear to vary with age. Reference values for serum S100β in children from 0 to 14 years are presented.
Materials And Methods:
A prospective study was conducted on 257 healthy children, who were divided into three age groups (under 12 months, 12 to 24 months and over 24 months).
Results:
The study included179 boys and 78 girls, with a mean age of 5.5 (3.75) years. The mean serum concentration of protein S100β was 0.156 (0.140-0.172) μg/l. In children under 12 months, serum S100β concentration was 0.350 (0.280-0.421) μg/l; 0.165 (0.139-0.190) μg/l in the group between 12 and 24 months and 0.121 (0.109-0.133) μg/l in children older than 24 months. An inverse relationship was observed between age and serum S100β, which declines as age increases. No differences were observed between sexes.
Conclusions:
The concentration of S100β remains stable after two years of age, being possible to establish a baseline of S100β for over two years. During the first two years of life, S100β serum concentration is higher, the lower the age of the child. No differences in serum S100β levels between sexes are observed.
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