Measuring serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels in peripheral blood after subarachnoid hemorrhage to predict cerebral vasospasm.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in both subarachnoid hemorrhage and control groups for prediction of cerebral vasospasm in this study.

Methods: Venous serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels were prospectively measured four times (days 1, 3, 7, and 14) for 34 consecutive patients with subarachnoidal hemorrhage (n = 27) and for elective aneurysm clipping (control, n = 7).

Results: Vasospasm developed in 11/34 (32.