Serum S-100B and cleaved-tau are poor predictors of long-term outcome after mild traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: To determine the relationship of serum S-100B and C-tau levels to long-term outcome after mild traumatic brain injury (mild TBI). Research design: A prospective study of 35 mild TBI subjects presenting to the emergency department. Methods and procedures: Six hour serum S-100B and C-tau levels compared to 3-month Rivermead Post Concussion Questionnaire (RPCQ) scores and post- concussive syndrome (PCS). Main outcomes and results: The linear correlation between marker levels and RPCQ scores was weak (S-100B: r = 0.071, C-tau: r = -0.21). There was no statistically significant correlation between marker levels and 3-month PCS (S-100B: AUC = 0.589, 95% CI. 038, 0.80; C-tau: AUC = 0.634, 95% CI 0.43, 0.84). The sensitivity of these markers ranged from 43.8-56.3% and the specificity from 35.7-71.4%. Conclusions: Initial serum S-100B and C-tau levels appear to be poor predictors of 3-month outcome after mild TBI.