Reference values for nucleosides and nucleobases in cerebrospinal fluid of children.

Abstract

Disturbances in the metabolism of purines and pyrimidines in neurologically affected patients can be reflected by aberrant concentrations of nucleosides and nucleobases in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). However, normal values, especially for children at different ages, are lacking. We collected 1000 specimens of CSF from subjects ranging in age from newborn to 18 years, who were undergoing a diagnostic lumbar puncture for several clinical indications. Of these, 78 samples could be used retrospectively as a reference according to our criteria. The analyses were performed with a modified HPLC procedure. None of the substances shows age-dependency except uridine and uric acid. Uridine increases with age, and uric acid increases with age in boys older than 12 years.

Cerebrospinal fluid amino acids, purines and pyrimidines as a tool in the study of metabolic brain diseases

“…Ninety-five patients were selected with mental retardation without any other diagnosis. The values obtained were compared with previously established normal values of amino acids, purines and pyrimidines (Gerrits et al 1988;Gerrits et al 1989). Our reference group has been extended compared to our earlier publications; the reference ranges have been confirmed and remain the same.…”

“…In addition the coefficient of variability was calculated from repeated sampling of CSF from a group of 13 patients with stable leukaemia without central nervous system localization (see Table 2). For detailed information about the chemical analyses the reader is referred to previous publications (Gerrits et al 1988;Gerrits et al 1989).…”

“…The availability of new and more sensitive methods for determining amino acids, purines and pyrimidines urged us to establish more extended reference values of these compounds in CSF (Gerrits et al 1988;Gerrits et al 1989). Our aim was to study CSF amino acid, purine and pyrimidine levels in various neurological disorders in order to contribute to the aetiological unravelling of metabolic brain diseases.…”