A cross-season analysis of S100B as a potential marker of concussion in professional rugby players.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of multiple seasons of play on serum S100B concentration in male professional rugby players, while also assessing the acute effects following a season of play and concussion.

METHODS

A prospective study of professional male rugby players over three seasons (2016/17 to 2018/19) was conducted. Serum sampling was carried out during pre-season, post-season and following a concussion; sustained during match play at a home game (between 2-24hrs), during each season. Serum S100B concentrations were determined by ELISA assay.

RESULTS

Fourteen players sustained 24 concussions over three seasons, of which 13 samples (54%) were collected. Pre- and post-season serum S100B remained stable across multiple seasons. S100B concentration increased significantly following concussion compared with pre-season (p = 0.002) and post-season (p = 0.009), reflective in a 3.23-fold-change post-concussion, with no difference found between pre- and post-season values. S100B concentration measured at post-season was not significantly different for players who had a concussion during a season and players who did not.

CONCLUSION

S100B remains stable across multiple seasons of play in professional rugby players. As concussion results in a temporary increase in S100B concentration, returning to pre-season values by post-season, S100B may be a useful diagnostic marker for improving existing management protocols for sports-related concussions.