[Lysozyme concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with epilepsy and subacute sclerosing encephalitis]
Insights
Lysozyme levels in cerebrospinal fluid were measured in children with epilepsy and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Most children had normal lysozyme concentrations, but some showed elevated levels, with no link to total protein.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Epilepsy and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) are neurological conditions affecting children.
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring neurological disorders.
- Lysozyme, an enzyme with antimicrobial properties, has been investigated for its role in various neurological conditions.
Purpose:
- To determine lysozyme concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children diagnosed with epilepsy or SSPE.
- To investigate potential correlations between lysozyme levels and total protein concentration in the CSF.
- To explore the potential causes for any observed alterations in CSF lysozyme levels.
Summary:
- Lysozyme concentration was measured in the CSF of 21 children with epilepsy and 22 with SSPE.
- The majority of children in both groups exhibited CSF lysozyme levels within the normal range.
- A subset of children presented with elevated CSF lysozyme concentrations, independent of total protein levels.
Impact:
- This study provides insights into the biochemical profile of CSF in pediatric epilepsy and SSPE.
- Findings suggest that elevated CSF lysozyme may occur in some cases of these conditions, warranting further investigation into its significance.
- The lack of correlation with total protein suggests specific mechanisms may influence lysozyme levels in the CSF.
Abstract:
Lysozyme concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid was determined in 21 children with epilepsy and 22 children with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. In most children in both groups the concentration of the enzyme was in the range of control values, but in the remaining children it was above the upper limit of these values. No correlation was demonstrated between lysozyme concentration and total protein level in the cerebrospinal fluid. The causes of raised values of cerebrospinal concentration in these children are discussed.
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