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Reference range of cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure in children: historical overview and current data

Robert A Avery1

  • 1Department of Neurology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, United States.

Neuropediatrics
|May 29, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Revised cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure (OP) norms in children are now available. These updated values, influenced by factors like age and obesity, impact diagnosing elevated intracranial pressure and idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neuro-ophthalmology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) opening pressure (OP) are crucial for diagnosing elevated intracranial pressure in children.
  • Previous normative data for CSF OP were limited and potentially outdated.
  • Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) diagnosis relies heavily on accurate OP measurements.

Observation:

  • Recent prospective studies have established new normative values for CSF OP in pediatric populations.
  • Clinical factors including patient age, depth of sedation during the procedure, and obesity significantly influence CSF OP measurements.
  • These new data necessitate a re-evaluation of existing diagnostic thresholds.

Findings:

  • Revised normative CSF OP values have been published, offering a more accurate reference range for children.
  • The influence of age, sedation, and obesity on CSF OP measurements is now better understood.
  • Updated diagnostic criteria for idiopathic intracranial hypertension incorporate these new normative values.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should utilize the revised normative CSF OP data for more accurate diagnosis of elevated intracranial pressure in children.
  • Understanding the impact of clinical variables is essential for appropriate interpretation of CSF OP measurements.
  • The updated criteria for IIH will enhance diagnostic precision and potentially alter patient management strategies.

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