Serum levels of protein S100B predict intracranial lesions in mild head injury

ObjectivesThis study was aimed to assess whether serum S100B levels at emergency department admission can be used to omit unnecessary computed tomography (CT) in patients with minor head injury (MHI).Design and methodsSixty consecutive patients with recent MHI were included in this study. Serum S100B measurement and CT scanning were performed in all patients within 3 h from head injury.ResultsA positive CT scan was present in 20 out of 60 subjects. Significantly higher values of protein S100B were found in CT positive than in CT negative patients (1.35 versus 0.48 μg/L; p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve for protein S100B was highly significant (AUC 0.80; p < 0.001) and a S100B cut-off value of 0.38 μg/L displayed 100% sensitivity and 58% specificity.ConclusionsSerum S100-B levels might allow to omit unnecessary CT in patients with pure MHI, thus reducing radiation exposure and saving healthcare resources.

► Higher S100B values are observed in patients with CT positive scans.
► The AUC curve for S100B was highly significant (AUC 0.80; p < 0.001).
► The 0.38 µg/ cut-off had 100% sensitivity and 58% specificity for minor head injury.
► Serum S100-B levels allow to omit unnecessary CT.