Acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis increases plasma levels of S-100 protein.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether an increase in plasma concentration of S-100 protein can serve as a marker for acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis.


METHODS
The plasma level of S-100 protein was investigated in 28 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. Of these, 17 patients were admitted for acute exacerbation and 11 patients had a stable disease with no clinical signs for acute exacerbation. S-100 protein concentrations in plasma were determined with an immunofluorometric sandwich assay.


RESULTS
Plasma concentrations were significantly elevated in patients who were examined within 7 days after the onset of acute exacerbation (n = 6). S-100 levels of patients 8 to 28 days after the onset of acute exacerbation (n = 11) did not differ from healthy controls (n = 120). Eleven patients with multiple sclerosis without acute exacerbation had moderately elevated plasma levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The plasma concentration of S-100 protein is a sensitive although unspecific indicator of neuronal damage and may be of use as a marker of disease activity in multiple sclerosis.
Missler
U
U
Department of Neuroradiology, Medical University of Lübeck, Germany.
Wandinger
K P
KP
Wiesmann
M
M
Kaps
M
M
Wessel
K
K
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D015415:Biomarkers; D009418:S100 Proteins