[Diagnostic value of cerebrospinal fluid in childhood hydrocephalus and hydroma]

A statistical analysis of 212 patients with infantile pressure hydrocephalus and 61 with infantile subdural hydromas shows that there are no significant differences in the investigated liquor parameters (cell count, differential sediment, total protein, electrophoresis) that permit differentiation between the two. The significant increase found in the beta-tau fraction by liquor electrophoresis in the hydrocephalus patients is unsuitable for use as a differential diagnostic criterion on account of its poor discrimination. The results of liquor examinations following drainage operations are dealt with separately, and a liquor syndrome found as a rule in liquor taken from a Rickham reservoir is described.