Serum S100β protein in children with acute recurrent headache:: A potentially useful marker for migraine

Objective. - To examine the role of glia-derived S100 beta protein and to evaluate its use as a biochemical marker in childhood acute recurrent headache. Methods. - Twenty-five patients with acute recurrent headache ( according to International Headache Society criteria) from our department's Headache Clinic were studied. Blood samples for measurement of serum S100 beta were drawn: ( 1) <= 3-hour post pain attack from our patients and ( 2) from 23 healthy controls. Results. - Of the 25 patients evaluated, 15 suffered from migraine and 10 from tension-type headache (TTH). Statistical analysis of the mean values of S100 beta levels demonstrated a significant elevation in children with migraine headache, with values higher than those of both children with TTH and controls (P = .001). Conclusions. - Our data suggest a direct relation between childhood migraine attacks and increased production of glial S100 beta protein. Serum S100 beta determination may be a useful biochemical marker for migraine in acute recurrent headache in childhood.