Neuron-specific enolase: a potential biomarker in the prediction of pediatric head trauma outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Dublin Core
Title
Neuron-specific enolase: a potential biomarker in the prediction of pediatric head trauma outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Subject
Neuron-specific enolase, Head injuries, Pediatrics
Description
Abstract
Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common type of brain injury and significantly contributes to
morbidity and mortality in both adults and children. Diagnosing pediatric head trauma with precision is difficult,
particularly for youngsters displaying mild symptoms. Contemporary research has investigated the capacity of
biomarkers, including neuron-specific enolase (NSE), to enhance the precision of diagnosis.
Objective The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the levels of NSE in pediatrics with
head trauma.
Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed among PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, from
the inception to August 17th, 2024, identifying 963 articles. Any article that evaluated the levels of NSE with any
source of sampling in the pediatric population was considered as a possible inclusion. The Standard Mean Difference
and confidence intervals of the pooled data were calculated. Also, the robustness of the data was confirmed using
sensitivity analysis, and the presence of publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots.
Results Following the screening and eligibility validation process, 12 studies were selected, which evaluated
806 participants. Meta-analyses revealed markedly elevated NSE levels in patients as compared to controls
(p-value<0.001), indicating its potential as a biomarker for head injury. Further subgroup analyses demonstrated more
pronounced correlations between increased NSE levels and severe trauma (p-value<0.001). In addition, cerebrospinal
fluid samples had significantly higher NSE levels than other sample origins (p-value<0.001). Elevated levels of NSE
were also associated with unfavorable results, as assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (p-value<0.001).
Conclusion The findings emphasize the capacity of NSE as a diagnostic and predictive instrument for pediatric head
injury, justifying additional research into its clinical uses.
Keywords Neuron-specific enolase, Head injuries, Pediatrics
Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common type of brain injury and significantly contributes to
morbidity and mortality in both adults and children. Diagnosing pediatric head trauma with precision is difficult,
particularly for youngsters displaying mild symptoms. Contemporary research has investigated the capacity of
biomarkers, including neuron-specific enolase (NSE), to enhance the precision of diagnosis.
Objective The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the levels of NSE in pediatrics with
head trauma.
Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed among PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, from
the inception to August 17th, 2024, identifying 963 articles. Any article that evaluated the levels of NSE with any
source of sampling in the pediatric population was considered as a possible inclusion. The Standard Mean Difference
and confidence intervals of the pooled data were calculated. Also, the robustness of the data was confirmed using
sensitivity analysis, and the presence of publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots.
Results Following the screening and eligibility validation process, 12 studies were selected, which evaluated
806 participants. Meta-analyses revealed markedly elevated NSE levels in patients as compared to controls
(p-value<0.001), indicating its potential as a biomarker for head injury. Further subgroup analyses demonstrated more
pronounced correlations between increased NSE levels and severe trauma (p-value<0.001). In addition, cerebrospinal
fluid samples had significantly higher NSE levels than other sample origins (p-value<0.001). Elevated levels of NSE
were also associated with unfavorable results, as assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (p-value<0.001).
Conclusion The findings emphasize the capacity of NSE as a diagnostic and predictive instrument for pediatric head
injury, justifying additional research into its clinical uses.
Keywords Neuron-specific enolase, Head injuries, Pediatrics
Creator
Amir Behforouz1
, Masoud Arabfard2
and Mohammad Javad Behzadnia1*
, Masoud Arabfard2
and Mohammad Javad Behzadnia1*
Date
2025
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Amir Behforouz1
, Masoud Arabfard2
and Mohammad Javad Behzadnia1*, “Neuron-specific enolase: a potential biomarker in the prediction of pediatric head trauma outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 16, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/13230.