Neuron-specific enolase levels immediately following cardiovascular surgery is modulated by hemolysis due to cardiopulmonary bypass, making it unsuitable as a brain damage biomarker

In conclusion, NSE level immediately after cardiac surgery with CPB is modified by hemolysis rather than brain injury, therefore it would be unreliable as a biomarker of brain disorder.
Source: Journal of Artificial Organs - Category: Transplant Surgery Source Type: research