Predictive role of neuron-specific enolase and S100-β in early neurological deterioration and unfavorable prognosis in patients with ischemic stroke.

Background: We aimed to assess whether neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100-β levels are associated with early neurological deterioration (END) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods: We conducted a prospective study between March 2022 and October 2023 in 286 patients with AIS. Serum NSE and S100-β levels on admission and at 24 and 48 h after stroke onset were measured using electrochemiluminescence immunoassays. Outcomes included END events within 48 h of admission and unfavorable neurological outcomes at 3 months.

Results: Patients with END had higher serum NSE and S100-β levels. Patients with poor prognosis had higher serum NSE and S100-β levels. Serum NSE (on admission) was an independent biomarker for END in AIS patients and for unfavorable recovery at 3 months. In addition, serum S100-β was an independent biomarker of unfavorable recovery after 3 months in patients with AIS.

Conclusion: Serum NSE on admission and S100-β at 48 h of stroke onset may serve as biomarkers of short-term clinical outcome in patients with AIS. Elevated serum NSE and S100-β levels may be useful tools to predict prognosis in patients with AIS.