Identification of high-risk patients after minor craniocerebral trauma. Measurement of nerve tissue protein S100

The indication for an initial cranial computed tomography (CCT) in minor head trauma (MHT) patients remains the subject of discussion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a newly developed, rapid test system (ELECSYS S100, Roche Diagnostics) might allow a diagnostically valid, reproducible measurement of S 100 in MHT patients. Blood samples were drawn from 75 MHT patients, a CCT scan was performed, and those with a post-traumatic intracranial lesion counted as CCT+. Results were compared to a healthy control group (n=17). Of the 75 patients included in the study, 14 were stratified as CCT+. The systemic concentration of S 100 in these CCT+ patients was significantly increased (0.31 mug/l) compared to the healthy control group (0.04 mug/l) as well as to the CCT-negative patients (0.08 mug/l). The ELECSYS S100 system allows a rapid,valid,and reproducible assessment of S 100B in patient serum and this concentration is significantly elevated in patients suffering from intracranial lesions as shown by initial CCT scan. Hence,this study is the basis for a multicenter trial currently.