COMPARISON OF SERUM NEURON SPECIFIC ENOLASE AND RADIOLOGICAL IMAGING IN ASSESSING THE SEVERITY OF STROKE

Abstract

Neuron Specic Enolase (NSE) is a glycolytic enzyme. It is exclusively present in neurons and neuroendocrine cells. It is an important marker to assess functional damage to neurons. Studies have shown that NSE is more than 90% sensitive to decide the severity of stroke. This study was conducted to compare the Serum levels of NSE and radiological imaging in assessing the severity of stroke. A hospital based descriptive study was conducted on 60 stroke patients (<72hrs from onset) and 60 controls. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was assessed, and serum NSE was measured. Non contrast CT brain was taken. mRS scale was assessed after 30 days of onset of stroke. ROC curve analysis was done which showed a Sensitivity of 82.5% and Specicity of 82.5% for serum levels of NSE at a cut off value 12ng/mL. NSE showed a positive correlation with mRS; negative correlation with GCS. Hence it is advisable to measure serum NSE levels at the existing health care facilities, where CT brain is not available.