Serum Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE) as Prognostic Biomarker in Neonatal Encephalopathy

Introduction: Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is considered a valid marker in neonatal encephalopathy. Our study aims to evaluate the value of NSE in the early detection and prognosis of neonatal encephalopathy with different etiologies. Subjects and methods: A prospective case control study was conducted in the NICU of Suez Canal University Hospital. The study population was divided into two groups, case group (n=24): neonates recently diagnosed with encephalopathy, and control group (n=24): full-term healthy neonates who match age and gender. Full medical history, physical examination, and laboratory investigation including NSE serum level. Six-month follow-up was maintained to assess the neurodevelopment outcomes. Results: Our study revealed that the case group showed a significantly higher level (P value <0.001) of serum NSE. HIE showed significantly the highest frequent etiology of NE. Sever NE showed a 25% mortality rate during admission and 66.7% in 6-month follow-up. Serum NSE at a cut point-off level of 17.35 showed 95.8% sensitivity and 29.2% specificity for the diagnosis of NE with a p-value <0.001. Conclusions: Serum NSE is a reliable marker for the diagnosis of different stages of NE caused by different etiologies. With moderately low predictive value for long-term outcomes in NE infants.