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S100B Protein: a Diagnostic Aid in Episodes of Transient Loss of Consciousness?

This study is looking into a protein called S100B, which can be found in your blood, to help doctors work out why someone has had a sudden loss of consciousness, like fainting or a seizure. When the brain is injured, S100B levels can go up quickly. Doctors hope this blood test could help them quickly tell if someone's loss of consciousness was caused by an epileptic seizure or something else, like a heart problem. If successful, this could mean fewer extra tests and a shorter stay in hospital. The study will involve taking an extra blood sample at the same time as any routine blood tests, and doctors will then review all the information later to see if the S100B test was helpful.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

100

Start

30 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

30 Jul 2027

Epilepsy Cryptogenic Epilepsy

What is this study about?

Imagine you're visiting the emergency room because you suddenly fainted or blacked out. It can be a very worrying experience, and doctors often need to do many tests to figure out what happened. This can take time and sometimes means a longer stay in hospital. This study is trying to make that process quicker and easier.

Doctors are interested in a special protein in your blood called S100B. This protein is usually found in your brain, but if your brain experiences a sudden bump or problem, like an epileptic seizure, it can be released into your blood. Scientists have noticed that S100B levels go up quickly after some types of seizures, but we don't know much about how useful it is for telling the difference between a seizure and other reasons for suddenly losing consciousness.

This study aims to see if measuring S100B levels in your blood right after you lose consciousness can help doctors figure out if it was an epileptic seizure or something else, perhaps a heart problem. If this test works well, it could potentially mean fewer lengthy investigations for you and help doctors decide on the right treatment more quickly. It could also mean you spend less time in the hospital.

Key takeaways

Tests a blood protein (S100B) for diagnosing reasons for fainting.
Aims to tell the difference between seizures and other causes, like heart problems.
Hopes to reduce the number of extra tests and hospital stay.
Involves just one additional blood sample, taken during routine tests.
Your normal medical care will not be affected or changed by participating.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who come to the emergency department at Henri Mondor University Hospital because they've had a sudden loss of consciousness, like fainting or blacking out. You would also need to be having a routine blood test as part of your emergency care and be covered by social security.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join the study. For example, if your symptoms happened more than 12 hours before you arrived at the hospital, or if you've recently had a head injury with bleeding in the brain. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, and anyone who can't fully understand and agree to take part, such as those with severe memory problems or under legal guardianship, also wouldn't be able to participate. You also can't take part if you're in prison.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you visiting the emergency department for a loss of consciousness?
Are you already having a blood test as part of your emergency care?
Do you not have a recent head injury with bleeding in the brain?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it's quite simple. When you're already having blood tests done by the emergency department for your normal care, one extra small blood sample will be taken at the same time. This extra sample will be used to measure your S100B protein levels. Aside from this extra blood sample, your medical care will be exactly the same as it would be if you weren't in the study. You won't have any extra appointments or assessments specifically for the study. About three months after your emergency department visit, a team of specialist doctors (a brain specialist, a heart specialist, and an emergency doctor) will review all the information about your case, including any tests you've had, to confirm your final diagnosis. This is done to make sure we know exactly what happened so they can see how well the S100B test worked.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study involves very little extra effort for you, as the additional blood sample is taken during your routine blood tests. There are no known risks beyond those of a standard blood test, such as a small bruise at the injection site. The potential benefit is that the study might help doctors in the future to diagnose conditions like epilepsy more quickly and accurately, which could lead to better and faster care for other patients. You are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Henri Mondor
Verified postcode
Créteil, France

Common questions

What is S100B?

S100B is a protein found mainly in the brain. Levels can rise in your blood if there's an issue with your brain.

Why is this study important?

It could help doctors quickly understand the cause of fainting or blackouts, potentially leading to faster diagnosis and fewer hospital tests.

Will I get my S100B results?

The study focuses on evaluating the test for future use, so you won't get your individual S100B result as part of your immediate treatment.

Will my treatment change if I join?

No, your medical care will be exactly the same whether you join the study or not. Only an extra blood sample is taken.

What happens after the study?

The information gathered will help researchers understand if the S100B test is useful for diagnosing the cause of loss of consciousness in emergency situations.

How to find out more

Christian KASSASSEYA, Dr

christian.kassasseya@aphp.fr 01.49.81.21.11 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.