Acute decompression illness and serum s100beta levels: a prospective observational pilot study
Poff, D.J.; Wong, R.; Bulsara, M.
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Journal of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Inc 34(5): 359-367
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 1066-2936 PMID: 18019087 Document Number: 610623
Background: S 100 beta, a calcium binding protein associated with astroglial cells and other tissues has been shown to be raised in the serum of patients with a number of neurological pathologies. As there are no published data on serum S100 beta determinations in recreational divers affected by decompression illness (DCI) this pilot study determines whether S100 beta is a possible biochemical marker of DCI worthy of further investigation. Methods: Venous blood samples were drawn from patients diagnosed with, and treated for acute DCI at a hyperbaric facility and analysed for serum S100 beta concentration and Creatine Kinase (CK) activity. Samples were taken at initial presentation, and again following final treatment. Results: Twenty one patients were included in the study. Neither S100 beta, nor CK levels were significantly raised above population normal limits. Conclusion: S100 beta is not a clinically useful serum marker of acute DCI.