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CSF protein values in infants and children
Insights
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels in children show a unique pattern, decreasing in early childhood and rising to adult levels by age 8. Albumin levels significantly influence these changes, supporting the Bradford method for routine analysis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial for diagnosing neurological conditions in children.
- Understanding normal CSF protein ranges is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal ranges for total protein, albumin, and gamma-globulin in pediatric CSF.
- To characterize the developmental changes in CSF protein levels during childhood.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative analysis of total protein, albumin, and gamma-globulin in CSF samples from 139 children.
- Utilized the Bradford method for routine CSF work-up.
Main Results:
- Established a wide normal range (0.1-0.65 g/l) for protein in newborns and infants.
- Observed a decline in protein levels at 3-4 years, reaching adult levels by 6-8 years.
- Identified albumin as the primary factor influencing these age-related protein variations.
Conclusions:
- CSF protein levels exhibit significant age-dependent variations in children.
- The findings support the reliability and utility of the Bradford method for pediatric CSF protein analysis.
- Contradicts previous claims of constantly falling protein levels throughout childhood.
Abstract:
Total protein, albumin and gamma-globulin values were determined in CSF of 139 children. They had been referred to the emergency department of the Children's Hospital of the University of Berne during the last year because of suspected meningitis which, however, was not confirmed. In newborns and infants the normal range of protein values was wide, 0.1-0.65 g/l. It fell to minimal values at age 3-4 years, and increased gradually thereafter to adult levels which were reached at age 6-8 years. The observed changes during early childhood are mainly due to variations in the albumine fraction. The results are different from the ones reported by Ammon and Richterich [1] who claimed constantly falling protein levels during childhood up to adult values. Similar results in comparison to ours were obtained by other laboratories using the same method [6,7]. Our study therefore supports the usefulness of Bradford's [2] method for routine CSF work-up.
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