[Cerebrospinal fluid lactates following craniocerebral injuries]

CSF lactate concentration was determined in 37 patients after craniocerebral injury. In 26 cases the lactate concentration was raised above the normal value (15 mg/100 ml) and in 11 cases it was above 30 mg/100 ml. All fatal cases were in the group with lactate level above 30 mg/100 ml. The study confirms the fact that CSF lactate concentration is related to the severity of cerebral tissue damage and has a prognostic significance.