Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate was determined in 245 patients by means of a rapid enzymatic method (Monotest Lactate). The mean value was 1.61 mmol/l (range 0.79-3.33) in 104 control patients, 2.06 mmol/l (range 0.76-4.31) in 121 patients with aseptic meningitis, and 8.18 mmol/l (range 1.77-19.21) in 20 patients with bacterial meningitis. In most of the patients CSF protein and the CSF/blood glucose quotient were also determined. Lactate and glucose quotient differentiated equally well between aseptic and bacterial meningitis while protein was somewhat less useful. Suitable values for discrimination between aseptic and bacterial meningitis were judged to be 3.0 mmol/l for CSF lactate, 1.0 g/l for CSF protein and 0.5 for the glucose quotient. Combinations of tests improved the diagnostic accuracy in aseptic but not in bacterial meningitis. In 2 patients with bacterial meningitis all tests failed. CSF lactate may be used as a supplementary aid in the diagnosis of meningitis. Its diagnostic efficacy was equal to but not better than that of the traditional methods.
Platelet counts, P&P, factor V and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) in serum were determined in 96 patients with 100 episodes of acute infections. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible correlation between the tests, separately and in combination, and the outcome of the patients. The prognostic value was found to be dubious (0.05 greater than P greater than 0.01) as regards both a low platelet count and a decreased level of P&P and very low (P greater than 0.2) as regards factor V. On the other hand, the demonstration of a raised S-FDP as well as the presence of more than one pathological test was of distinct prognostic value (P less than 0.001). It is concluded that coagulation tests are useful as supportive aids in the prognostic evaluation of patients with acute infectious diseases.
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