Child neurology: Amino acid concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid

Cerebrospinal fluid amino acid concentrations were measured in 16 pediatric patients with febrile convulsions, in 9 with bacterial meningitis, and in 8 noninfected newborn infants. Most CSF amino acids are present in greater concentration in patients with bacterial meningitis than in those without CNS infection. Newborn infants have elevated CNS amino acid concentrations similar to those found in older patients with bacterial meningitis. The reason for increased amino acid concentration in the meningitis group may be due to alterations in brain metabolism, changes in the kinetics of CSF formation, alterations in the removal of amino acids by active transport mechanisms, or a combination of factors. Delayed maturation of transport mechanisms may explain the high levels found in newborn infants.