S100B protein in benzodiazepine poisoning

Benzodiazepines are relatively safe and deaths caused by benzodiazepine ingestion alone are extremely rare. However, profound central nervous depression with significant respiratory depression and hypotension after benzodiazepine overdose might result in cerebral hypoxia and necrosis. The aim of the study was to assess the possible role of S100B, the structural protein of astroglia, as a biochemical marker of brain injury in benzodiazepine poisoning. The prospective study included 23 consecutive patients poisoned with benzodiazepines who were admitted at the Emergency Department (ED) in University Medical Center Ljubljana. Patients were enrolled if they had a documented exposure to benzodiazepine only. The physical and neurological examinations were carried out on the scene and on arrival at the ED. A conciseness level was assessed by alert/verbal/painful/unresponsive responsiveness scale. Blood samples for S100B determination were drawn immediately after arrival at the ED. S100B concentrations were measured with a commercial immunoassay. The control group included 10 healthy volunteers. Data are presented as mean and numerical variables were compared using the Mann-Whiteney U test. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. S100B levels of 23 benzodiazepine poisoned patients were significantly higher compared to S100B levels of the control group (0.36 microg/l versus 0.07 microg/l, p