Prognostic relevance of serial S100b and NSE serum measurements in patients with spinal intradural lesions

Objective: To assess the potential prognostic relevance of serial serum measurements of S100B and NSE in patients with spinal intradural lesions. Methods: Forty-four patients with spinal intradural lesions were included in this prospective study. S100b and NSE serum levels were measured on admission and daily after operative treatment. The pre-operative values of both markers were correlated with degree of paresis and duration of symptoms, the post-operative levels with functional outcome. Outcome was dichotomized into favorable and unfavorable. Neurological recovery with retrieval or preservation of gait function was regarded as favorable, whereas non-improvement without restoration of gait function was considered as unfavorable. Results: No correlation was found between S100b or NSE serum levels and degree of paresis or duration of symptoms before surgery. The post-operative time course of S100b and NSE serum concentrations was not correlated with functional outcome. Conclusion: Serial serum measurements of neither S100b nor NSE allow for an individual prediction of neurological outcome in patients with spinal intradural lesions. Despite their limited validity for the individual patient, 'classical' predictors as degree and duration of paresis before therapy are still the most important prognostic parameters in these patients with chronic spinal lesions. [Neurol Res 2009; 31: 265-269]