Association of serum neuron-specific enolase and bilirubin levels with cerebral dysfunction and prognosis in large-artery atherosclerotic strokes.

Purpose: To explore the association of serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and bilirubin levels with cerebral dysfunction in the prognosis of large-artery atherosclerotic (LAA) stroke cases.

Methods: This study included 73 patients who suffered from LAA stroke and were divided into experimental group (n = 41) that had an increased serum NSE and bilirubin level, and control group (n = 32). At day 1, 7, and 14, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, serum NSE, and bilirubin levels were measured. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess neurological functional recovery at 30 days. The good outcome rate was analyzed and tested using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method and the log-rank test one year afterwards as a follow-up.

Results: The NIHSS scores, serum bilirubin, and NSE levels in the experimental group were significantly increased than that of control group at days 1, 7, and 14. There was a remarkable difference in the mRS scores and the good outcome rates between the two groups. Furthermore, the computed tomography detection rate of large-area cerebral infarctions was higher in the experimental group than that of control group.

Conclusion: High serum NSE levels and hyperbilirubinemia might be biomarkers for a poor prognosis in the early identification of LAA strokes.