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Cerebrospinal fluid folate and cobalamin levels in febrile convulsion

B O Osifo, F A Lukanmbi, J B Familusi

    Journal of the Neurological Sciences
    |May 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Febrile children showed higher serum folate but normal cerebrospinal fluid folate, indicating an effective blood-brain barrier. Serum cobalamin decreased with fever, especially during convulsions, though its role remains unclear.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Nutritional Biochemistry

    Background:

    • Folate and cobalamin are crucial B vitamins involved in neurological function.
    • Febrile conditions in children can impact various metabolic parameters.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) folate and cobalamin levels in febrile pediatric patients.
    • To compare these levels between children with and without febrile convulsions.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of serum and CSF samples from 40 febrile children (18 convulsing, 22 non-convulsing).
    • Comparison of folate and cobalamin concentrations against a control group.

    Main Results:

    • Elevated serum folate in all febrile patients, highest in convulsing children; normal CSF folate levels.
    • Significantly lower serum cobalamin in febrile patients, most pronounced in convulsing children; normal CSF cobalamin levels.
    • Evidence of an intact blood-brain barrier for folate despite high serum levels.

    Conclusions:

    • The blood-brain barrier effectively regulates folate transport into the central nervous system.
    • Serum cobalamin decreases during fever, with a more significant reduction observed in febrile convulsions.
    • The precise role of cobalamin in the pathophysiology of febrile convulsions requires further investigation.

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