Neuron specific enolase as a marker of seizure related neuronal injury

and purpose: Neuron specific enolase (NSE) is an established biomarker of neuronal damage. It is not clear how much seizures contribute to the neuronal damage, morbidity or mortality in critically ill neurology patients. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of seizures on neuronal injury in critically ill neurology patients by using neuron specific enolase as a biomarker.

Forty patients with clinical evidence of acute central nervous system disease associated with seizures were included as critically ill neurology patients with seizures [CINPS] (age in years 38.8 ± 17.54, mean ± SD; 22 males) and 43 age and sex-matched acute central nervous system disease without seizures were recruited as critically ill neurology patients [CINP] (age in years 37.84 ± 17.38 years mean ± SD; 24 males) The serum NSE assays were performed in CINPS (within 24 h of last seizure) and in CINP using an enzyme immunoassay kit.

The level of serum neuron specific enolase was significantly higher in CINP with seizures compared to those without seizures. The length of ICU stay was more prolonged in those with seizures. There was a close correlation between the NSE levels and frequency of seizures. There was no significant difference in the mortality between both the groups.

NSE a marker of neuronal injury was elevated in patients with acute central nervous system diseases. It is significantly higher in patients with seizures in comparison to those without seizures. This warrants further studies to document aggressive treatment of seizures in acute neurologically ill patients can reduce neuronal damage.