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Normal cerebrospinal fluid values in children: another look.
Pediatrics
|March 1, 1985
Summary
This study analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 371 patients, establishing normal white blood cell (WBC) counts across age groups. Findings highlight the importance of age-specific CSF WBC values for accurate clinical interpretation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Pathology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial for diagnosing central nervous system (CNS) conditions.
- Establishing normative data for CSF cell counts is essential for accurate interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal ranges for white blood cell (WBC) counts in the CSF across different pediatric age groups.
- To evaluate the distribution of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cells in CSF.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of sterile CSF samples from 371 patients without evidence of CNS pathology.
- Stratification of patients into five age categories.
- Evaluation of white blood cell, polymorphonuclear, and mononuclear cell counts, with results presented as percentiles due to skewed distributions.
Main Results:
- CSF WBC counts were highest in younger age categories.
- 25% of patients across all age groups had 2-3 WBCs/CSF.
- No significant difference in CSF WBC count was observed between patients with and without seizures.
Conclusions:
- Normal CSF WBC values vary significantly by age.
- Percentile-based reference ranges are necessary for interpreting CSF findings in different age groups.
- CSF findings should be considered alongside clinical and other laboratory data.