Which biomarker may be evaluated within 72 hours of ROSC as part of neuroprognostication?

Which biomarker may be evaluated within 72 hours of ROSC as part of neuroprognostication?

• A. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE)
• B. Troponin I
• C. C-reactive protein
• D. D-dimer

Answer: (A)

After return of spontaneous circulation, predicting neurological outcome relies on markers of brain injury as well as clinical and imaging data. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is released into the blood when neurons are damaged from the hypoxic-ischemic injury that occurs during cardiac arrest. Measuring NSE within the first 72 hours after ROSC provides prognostic information because higher levels correlate with more severe brain injury and a poorer neurological outcome, especially when interpreted alongside exam findings, imaging, and electrophysiology. Other biomarkers listed reflect injury or processes outside the brain—Troponin I tracks heart muscle injury, C-reactive protein indicates inflammation, and D-dimer relates to coagulation and clot breakdown—so they are not used to gauge neuroprognosis after cardiac arrest.

After return of spontaneous circulation, predicting neurological outcome relies on markers of brain injury as well as clinical and imaging data. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is released into the blood when neurons are damaged from the hypoxic-ischemic injury that occurs during cardiac arrest. Measuring NSE within the first 72 hours after ROSC provides prognostic information because higher levels correlate with more severe brain injury and a poorer neurological outcome, especially when interpreted alongside exam findings, imaging, and electrophysiology. Other biomarkers listed reflect injury or processes outside the brain—Troponin I tracks heart muscle injury, C-reactive protein indicates inflammation, and D-dimer relates to coagulation and clot breakdown—so they are not used to gauge neuroprognosis after cardiac arrest.