Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Levels in the Intensive Care Unit: Comparison between Severely Ill Patients with and without Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Publication

Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Levels in the Intensive Care Unit: Comparison between Severely Ill Patients with and without Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Journal Paper/Review - Jan 11, 2021

Sutter Raoul, Hert Lisa, De Marchis Gian Marco, Twerenbold Raphael, Kappos Ludwig, Naegelin Yvonne, Kuster Gabriela M, Benkert Pascal, Jost Jasmine, Maceski Aleksandra Maleska, Rüegg Stephan, Siegemund Martin, Leppert David, Tschudin-Sutter Sarah, Kuhle Jens

Citation

Sutter R, Hert L, De Marchis G, Twerenbold R, Kappos L, Naegelin Y, Kuster G, Benkert P, Jost J, Maceski A, Rüegg S, Siegemund M, Leppert D, Tschudin-Sutter S, Kuhle J. Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Levels in the Intensive Care Unit: Comparison between Severely Ill Patients with and without Coronavirus Disease 2019. Ann Neurol 2021; 89:610-616.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Ann Neurol 2021; 89

Publication Date

Jan 11, 2021

Issn Electronic

1531-8249

Pages

610-616

Brief description/objective

There is emerging evidence for multifarious neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but little is known regarding whether they reflect structural damage to the nervous system. Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is a specific biomarker of neuronal injury. We measured sNfL concentrations of 29 critically ill COVID-19 patients, 10 critically ill non-COVID-19 patients, and 259 healthy controls. After adjusting for neurological comorbidities and age, sNfL concentrations were higher in patients with COVID-19 versus both comparator groups. Higher sNfL levels were associated with unfavorable short-term outcome, indicating that neuronal injury is common and pronounced in critically ill patients. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:610-616.