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Reference values for nucleosides and nucleobases in cerebrospinal fluid of children
G P Gerrits1, A A Haagen, R A De Abreu
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Insights
Establishing normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) nucleoside and nucleobase levels in children is crucial. Uridine and uric acid concentrations show age-dependency in pediatric CSF, particularly in older boys.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neurochemistry
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Metabolic disturbances in purines and pyrimidines can alter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) nucleosides and nucleobases in neurological conditions.
- Establishing age-specific reference ranges for these metabolites in pediatric CSF is essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring.
- Existing data on normal CSF nucleoside and nucleobase concentrations in children across different age groups is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine age-dependent reference values for nucleosides and nucleobases in pediatric cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- To identify specific metabolites that exhibit significant changes with age in the pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1000 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from subjects aged newborn to 18 years.
- Retrospective selection of 78 CSF samples meeting predefined reference criteria.
- Quantification of nucleosides and nucleobases using a modified High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technique.
Main Results:
- Most nucleosides and nucleobases in CSF did not show significant age-dependency in children.
- Uridine concentrations demonstrated a positive correlation with age across the pediatric cohort.
- Uric acid levels showed an increase with age specifically in boys older than 12 years.
Conclusions:
- This study provides valuable age-specific reference ranges for CSF nucleosides and nucleobases in children.
- Uridine and uric acid are key metabolites whose concentrations change with age in pediatric CSF.
- These findings can aid in the interpretation of CSF metabolite profiles for neurological disorders in 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.