876 Neuron Specific Enolase and S-100 Protein in Sepsis Associated Encephalopathy (SAE)

INTRODUCTION: Severe sepsis and septic shock represent one of medicine's oldest and most pressing problems. Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is associated with increased mortality and decreased quality of life. By the time a patient is septic, SAE is most often already established. Currently, no standardized laboratory markers of brain injury may aid in the diagnosis. However, S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) may be useful biomarkers. Neuronal injury leads to the cellular release of these biomarkers into the cerebrospinal fluid and then ultimately into the bloodstream. Rapid detection will allow for early diagnosis and intervention in the clinical setting. METHODS: A systematic review evaluating patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. In 170 patients, serum S-100 and NSE were measured daily for 4 consecutive days after intensive care unit admission. Admission Glasgow Coma Scale before sedation and daily Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were recorded in all patients. Each participant was continuously observed 72 hours after withdrawing sedation. RESULTS: S-100 was elevated in 72 patients (42%) and NSE increased in 90 patients (53%). Higher maximum SOFA scores were recorded in patients with elevated biomarkers (p = 0.001). Elevation of S-100 was associated with encephalopathy (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: S-100 and NSE are frequently increased in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. The higher the biomarkers, the worse the brain failure in patients. S-100 levels can be used as predictors of early ICU mortality and better reflect the development of severe encephalopathy and brain injury than NSE levels and the GCS scores.