# Serum S100-Beta as a Biomarker for Neurological Recovery in Acute Spinal Cord Injury (ASCI): A Prospective Case-Control Study

## TL;DR

This study shows that the protein S100-Beta in blood can help predict the severity and recovery of spinal cord injuries.

## Contribution

The study identifies serum S100B as a potential biomarker for assessing acute spinal cord injury severity and recovery.

## Key findings

- ASCI patients had significantly higher S100B levels than controls at baseline and two weeks.
- Higher S100B levels correlated with more severe injuries and worse neurological outcomes.
- S100B levels normalized after six weeks in ASCI patients.

## Abstract

Background: Acute spinal cord injury (ASCI) leads to severe neurological deficits with limited prognostic biomarkers. However, S100-beta (S100B), a calcium-binding protein, emerges as a beacon of hope, showing potential as a serological marker of ASCI severity and recovery, inspiring further research and exploration in this field.

Methods: This prospective case-control study included 26 patients with ASCI and 26 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum S100B levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at baseline, two, and six weeks. Neurological recovery was evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale.

Results: Serum S100B levels in ASCI patients were significantly higher than controls at baseline (0.95 ± 0.16 µg/L vs. 0.028 ± 0.02 µg/L; p < 0.05) and at two weeks (p < 0.05). Levels normalized after six weeks (p > 0.05). Also, when comparing serum S100B levels among cases, it was higher in paraplegia than in the paraparesis group. Elevated serum S100B levels correlated with greater injury severity and poorer neurological outcomes.

Conclusion: S100B is a promising biomarker for early ASCI severity and recovery. However, further large-scale studies are required to establish its clinical utility.