Serum S-100B protein levels in left- and right-hemisphere strokes

S-100B is a calcium-binding protein that is expressed in astrocytes. We compared the kinetics of serum S-100B in left- and right-hemisphere strokes. Data from 38 acute ischaemic stroke patients who had serial serum S-100B measurements during the first 8 days were analyzed. Stroke severity at baseline, as assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), was similar in the two groups. Mean S-100B values were greater in the right-hemisphere stroke group at all time points. Maximum S-100B levels were low in all patients with lower baseline NIHSS scores, and began to rise at a baseline NIHSS score of 16 for right-hemisphere stroke and 20 for left-hemisphere stroke. S-100B levels were significantly correlated with language in left-hemisphere stroke and with neglect in right-hemisphere stroke. These results are consistent with previous clinical/radiological findings, suggesting that serum S-100B is brain-specific and reflects the extent of brain injury in acute ischaemic stroke.