This study aims to evaluate the serum S100B levels to predict neuronal damage and poor clinical outcomes associated with the use of synthetic cannabinoids.

Thirty patients identified as synthetic cannabinoid users and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. S100B levels were compared between healthy controls and synthetic cannabinoid users. The following were considered to be composite outcomes: the need for endotracheal intubation, incidence of seizures, the need for intensive care unit admission, and in-hospital mortality. Clinical and laboratory findings associated with composite clinical outcomes were examined.

The mean S100B level was 19.3 (95% CI: 17.7 to 21.4) pg/mL in patients who use synthetic cannabinoid, and 15.9 (95% CI: 15 to 16.9) pg/mL in the controls; mean df: –3.6 (95% CI: –5.6 to −1.6). In patients with and without composite clinical outcomes, the mean S100B level measured 24.5 (95% CI: 21.2 to 27.9) pg/mL and 17.4 (95% CI: 15.8 to 18.4) pg/mL, respectively; mean df: –7.4 (95% CI: –10.2 to −4.6). With the cut-off value for S100B set at 20pg/mL based on the highest sensitivity, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for S100B were 89.9%, 52.0%, 44.4%, and 91.9%, respectively; odds ratio: 13.2, 95% CI (2.1 to 28.1).

Our data suggest that serum S100B levels are elevated in patients using synthetic cannabinoids. These results show that S100B can help clinicians stratify risk or may have a role in excluding those with neuronal damage.