S100B and the influence of seasonal variation

Abstract

Background A blood test for S100B can be used to rule out intracranial complications after minor head injury and thereby reduce the need for computed tomography (CT) examinations. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical importance of a possible influence of seasonal variation on S100B. Methods The individual seasonal variation of S100B in 69 healthy volunteers living at latitudes with extremely variable seasonal exposure to sunlight was investigated. Results The mean serum concentration of S100B was 13% higher in August than in February, but however, not statistically significant (p = 0.068). A good agreement between summer and winter S100B values was confirmed by Bland-Altman analysis and a significant correlation (r = 0.317, p = 0.008) was shown between summer and winter S100B values. Conclusion This study did not show any clinical importance of seasonal variation of S100B that may influence the decision of CT scanning patients with head injuries.

KeyWords:

• Biomarker
• S100B
• traumatic brain injury

Acknowledgements

The author thanks R. Piirainen and B. Tablac for laboratory assistance and acknowledges the financial support from Henry Kjellén Foundation.

Disclosure statement

The author reports no conflict of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.