Importance of normal values of CSF parameters in term versus preterm neonates

Abstract

Background:Evaluation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white blood cell (WBC) count and glucose and protein concentrations is used to assess the probability of the presence of central nervous system (CNS) infection. Although normal values are well established for CSF cell counts and protein and glucose contents in children and adults, this is not the case for neonates.Aims:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the composition of noninfected CSF obtained by nontraumatic lumbar puncture in neonates (age<28 days), specifically distinguishing CSF profiles of those term babies compared with those premature infants.Materials and Methods:The CSF samples obtained by lumbar puncture from 120 neonates were examined by routine procedures.Results:By comparing CSF parameters between term gestation neonate group with premature neonate one, nontraumatic puncture, there was no statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in the mean WBC (P=0.6). The mean protein concentration was significantly greater in those premature neonates (P<0.04). The mean glucose concentration was also analogous in both groups (P=0.5).Conclusion:The CSF profile, like any other laboratory determination, should be evaluated within the clinical context of the individual case.

Population Pharmacokinetics of Intraventricular Vancomycin in Neonatal Ventriculitis, A Preterm Pilot Study

“…The CSF protein was examined as a covariate in this study as 50-55% of vancomycin is protein bound ( Schilling et al, 2011 ). As the CSF protein in a preterm baby is higher than that of a term infant, we hypothesised that this may have an effect on the unbound vancomycin in the CSF ( Majumdar et al, 2013 ; De Cock et al, 2017 ). However, no significant association was found between VI, CSF protein and CSF vancomycin levels.…”

Monitoring intraventricular vancomycin for ventriculostomy access device infection in preterm infants

“…The presented free drug concentration might not accurately reflect the total vancomycin availability and longevity as it has been demonstrated that 50-55% of vancomycin is protein bound [21]. As the CSF protein levels in a preterm baby is higher than that of a term infant, this is an important factor that might influence the CSF vancomycin levels [22].…”

Determining White Blood Cell Count in Sterile Body Fluids: Cell Counting Chamber vs Sysmex UF-1000i

“…Counting of cells in sterile body fluids other than blood and urine, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CsF), peritoneal fluid (PeF), pleural fluid (PlF), synovial fluid (SyF), pericardial fluid (PrF),..etc provides important diagnostic information (1)(2)(3)(4). Elevated number of white blood cells (WBCs) can be a consequence or complication of a number of diseases.…”