Concentration of plasma haptoglobin and symptomatic cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract

The relation of plasma haptoglobin concentration to symptomatic cerebral vasospasm (SCVS) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was investigated. The plasma concentration of haptoglobin was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SCVS was determined by aggravated headache, deteriorated conscious state a few days after ictus or by new neurologic impairment and new ischemic injuries on repeated CT scans. The mean concentration of plasma haptoglobin in 19 patients with SCVS was (0.29 ± 0.14) g/L, whereas it was (0.78 ± 0.48) g/L in 24 patients without SCVS. These findings may suggest that plasma haptoglobin concentration seems to be associated with the development of SCVS after SAH.