Elevated neuron-specific enolase and S100 calcium-binding protein B concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis.

Background: Anti‑N‑methyl‑d‑aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a relatively common autoimmune neurological disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) are structural proteins of the central nervous system (CNS). In patients with CNS injury accompanied by nervous tissue and cellular damage, these structural proteins are released from cells; their extracellular concentrations, including those in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood, subsequently increase.

Methods: Thirty-six patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were prospectively recruited. The CSF NSE and S100B concentrations were measured in 19 and 17 patients, respectively. The CSF NSE and S100B concentrations were measured in 21 patients with noninflammatory neurological disease as controls. All measurements were performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results: The CSF NSE and S100B concentrations were remarkably higher in the patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis than in the controls. The early NSE or S100B concentrations in CSF were associated with the mRS.

Conclusion: CSF NSE and S100B concentration in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis is higher than in patients with non-inflammatory neurological disease. The early NSE or S100B concentrations in CSF were associated with the mRS and we can use it to determine the prognosis of the disease.