PP14.6 – 2304: Assessment of both the serum S-100B protein and neuropeptide Y levels in childhood breath-holding spells

Abstract

Objective Breath-holding spells are common paroxysmal events in children. Although the spells have a benign prognosis in the long term, they may be complicated by loss of consciousness, tonic-clonic movements, and occasionally, seizures. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies investigating whether attacks of breath-holding spells may lead to neuronal damage. In addition, the neurotransmitters and neuropeptides related to seizures have not been previously measured in breath-holding spells. This study aimed to measure the levels of serum S-100B proteins and neuropeptide-Y in the blood of children who experience breath-holding spells. Methods This prospective study was performed at the Department of Pediatric Neurology, Harran University School of Medicine, Sanliurfa, in Turkey. The study groups consisted of 45 patients (13 females, 32 males) with breath-holding spells and a control group of 32 healthy individuals (12 females, 20 males). The serum S-100B levels were measured by using commercially available ELISA kits and The neuropeptide-Y levels in the serum was measured with RayBio® Human/Mouse/Rat Neuropeptide Y ELISA kits. Results There were significant differences between the groups regarding to serum S-100B protein levels (P=0.025), while there was no statistically significant difference in neuropeptide-Y levels between the breath-holding spells group and control group (P=0.192). Conclusions In conclusion, frequent or lengthy breath-holding spells may lead to the development of neuronal damage which s most likely secondary to hypoxia. Therefore, breath-holding spells should be taken under the control as soon as possible.