Postoperative Time Course of Changes in Neuron-Specific Enolase in Women with Gestosis

Abstract

Objective: to determine the rational time of neuroprotective therapy used in women with moderate and severe perioperative gestosis, by studying the peripheral blood concentration of neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Subjects and methods. Eighty-five females in whom surgical delivery had been performed under spinal anesthesia were divided into the following groups: a control group comprised 30 women with uncomplicated pregnancy; Group 1 included 26 women with moderate gestosis; Group 2 consisted of 29 women with severe gestosis. The level of NSE was measured by enzyme immunoassay over time: Step 1 was made before surgery; Steps 2, 3, and 4 were performed on days 1, 3, and 5 postoperatively. Results. In females with uncomplicated pregnancy, surgical delivery under spinal anesthesia elevated the level of NSE in the normal range. In those with moderate gestosis, higher NSE concentrations were recorded within the first 24 hours after cesarean section. In pregnant women with severe gestosis, the level of NSE was considerably increased, suggesting a hypoxic brain lesion. Within the first 3 days following cesarean section, they were found to have a rise in NSE concentrations to high values. Conclusion: In women with severe gestosis, surgical stress progresses hypoxic lesion of the central nervous system during and within 3 days after surgery. Key words: gestosis, cesarean section, neuron-specific enolase.