[Serum S100β protein reference values in a paediatric population].

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.