16-12-2023 | Heart Surgery | Original Article
Serum tau protein and myelin basic protein in pediatric patients with congenital heart defects undergoing cardiac surgery: preliminary assessment as novel neuromarkers of brain injury
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -)
Login to get accessAbstract
Introduction
Neurological impairment is a big concern in the development of patients with congenital heart defects (CHD). A number of neuromarkers have been studied in search of a diagnostic or prognostic marker for brain injury during the vulnerable perioperative period. Our aim was to assess two novel neuromarkers, myelin basic protein (MBP) and protein Tau (pTau), as diagnostic markers for brain injury in perioperative period in children with CHD.
Methods
Forty patients were enrolled and dichotomized based on peripheric oxygen saturation in cyanotic and non-cyanotic group. Blood samples were collected preoperative, after the induction of anesthesia, and in postoperative day 1. Neuromarker concentrations were measured using commercially available ELISA kits.
Results
Neuromarkers’ values were increased postoperative, with statistical significance reached only in non-cyanotic group (p < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation was observed between preoperatory MBP and albumin level, hemoglobin level, height, and weight of patients. Association with cerebral saturations were analyzed by a coefficient defined as ≥ 20% reduction in cerebral saturation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy during perioperative period. An acceptable predicting model was observed with pTau in cyanotic group (AUC = 0.7).
Conclusion
We evaluated MBP and pTau as potential biomarkers of brain injury in children with CHD undergoing cardiac surgery. Elevated postoperative pTau and MBP concentrations were observed in both groups. Elevated pTau values were associated with perioperative hypoxemia.