Clinical value of the matrix metalloproteinase level in early diagnosis of viral encephalitis in children

ObjectiveTo predict the value of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) in the early diagnosis of viral encephalitis by analyzing the correlation between the serum levels of MMPs and white blood cells in cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) of children with viral encephalitis.

MethodsForty hospitalized children with viral encephalitis were selected.The serum and CSF levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were detected by ELISA in 20 children with abnormal CSF cell count and 20 children with normal CSF cell count.

ResultsThe differences of the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in peripheral blood and CSF between two groups were statistically significantly(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).The serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in peripheral blood were positively correlated with the number of white blood cells in CSF(P < 0.01).The levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CSF were positively correlated with the number of white blood cells in CSF(P < 0.01).The sensitivity and specificity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in peripheral blood to the number of CSF cells showed that the area under the curve was 0.860 and 0.725, respectively(P < 0.01 and P < 0.05).The sensitivity and specificity analysis of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CSF to the number of CSF cells showed that the area under the curve was 0.950 and 0.980, respectively(P < 0.01).

ConclusionsThe levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in peripheral blood can reflect the concentrations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in CSF, which can be used as biomarkers of viral encephalitis and predictors of early diagnosis.