Protein S-100β: A biochemical marker for increased intracranial pressure in pigs with acute hepatic failure

Background: Acute hepatic failure (AHF) may cause encephalopathy. Intracranial pressure (ICP) is frequently monitored to guide therapy, but such monitoring may cause intracerebral haemorrhagic complications. We hypothesize that determination of serum levels of S-100β, a protein synthesized in astroglial cells, will provide useful clinical information on the presence and extent of intracranial hypertension in AHF. Methods: Continuous intraparenchymatous ICP monitoring and serial S-100β measurements in serum were performed in 11 Norwegian Landrace pigs with surgically induced AHF and in 4 sham-operated controls. Results: ICP increased hour by hour in the devascularized pigs in parallel with increased serum levels of protein S- 100β. In the sham-operated controls S-100β was not detectable at any time point. Conclusions: Serum levels of S-100β are increased early in experimental AHF. Determination of protein S-100β may provide useful information on the presence and extent of intracranial hypertension in AHF.