Neuron-Specific Enolase in Comatose Children

Abstract
• Sequential examination of neuronspecific enolase in cerebrospinal fluid and serum was performed in 20 comatose children with acute encephalitis, acute encephalopathy, or Reye's syndrome. Neuron-specific enolase activities corresponded to the degree of brain damage. As neuron-specific enolase levels increased to greater than 80 ng/mL, patients had more severe impairment or died. Neuron-specific enolase may be a useful marker for evaluating the degree of neuronal damage and prognosis. (AJDC 1988;142:173-174)