Neuron-specific enolase activity in rubella encephalitis
Nozaki, H.; Nara, T.; Horita, H.; Maekawa, K.
No To Hattatsu 20(5): 392-397
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-0831 PMID: 3224012 Document Number: 323780
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is expected as a marker in evaluating the prognosis of infections of central nervous system (CNS). Sequential examinations of NSE in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum were performed in eight children with rubella infection of CNS. Seven children developed acute encephalitis, and one developed acute cerebellar ataxia. NSE activities in CSF and serum from normal control children were less than 9.1 ng/ml and 12.4 ng/ml, respectively. Seven patients recovered well, and NSE activities in CSF never increased more than 40 ng/ml during the first five days of illness. However, in one patient, who sustained minor psychological problems such as hyperactivity, NSE in CSF increased up to 65 ng/ml. IN the convalescent state, NSE in CSF slightly increased up to 20 ng/ml in many cases. On the other hand, NSE in serum never increased beyond the value of 20 ng/ml in any cases. NSE in CSF would be a useful marker in patients during the active stage of rubella infection of CNS for evaluating the degree of neuronal damage and also for prognosis.