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Normal cerebrospinal fluid values in full-term gestation and premature neonates
C M Nascimento-Carvalho1, O A Moreno-Carvalho
1Serviço de Pediatria, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brasil.
Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|October 1, 1998
Summary
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis in high-risk neonates shows elevated white blood cell counts. Premature infants have higher CSF protein levels than full-term infants, indicating potential differences in inflammatory responses.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial for diagnosing neonatal infections.
- Understanding reference ranges for CSF parameters in neonates is essential for accurate interpretation.
- High-risk neonates may present with altered CSF profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters in high-risk neonates.
- To compare CSF findings between full-term and premature neonates.
- To establish reference values for CSF white blood cell count, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, absolute neutrophil count, protein, and glucose.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CSF examination results from 77 high-risk neonates.
- Analysis of CSF white blood cells (WBC), polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), protein, and glucose levels.
- Differentiation between full-term and premature neonate groups.
Main Results:
- Mean CSF WBC counts were elevated in both full-term (4.5 cells/mm3) and premature (5.1 cells/mm3) neonates.
- Premature neonates exhibited significantly higher mean CSF protein concentrations (101.2 mg/dl) compared to full-term neonates (77.6 mg/dl).
- Mean PMN percentage and ANC were low in both groups; CSF glucose levels were similar (67 mg/dl).
Conclusions:
- Elevated CSF WBC counts are observed in high-risk neonates, regardless of gestational age.
- Premature neonates demonstrate higher CSF protein levels, suggesting potential inflammatory differences.
- Nontraumatic cisternal puncture is critical for accurate CSF parameter assessment, as traumatic punctures can interfere with results.