Cerebrospinal fluid proteinogram of healthy preterm newborn infants

The total protein concentration and the protein profile were studied in 40 healthy premature newborn infants at the second day of life. The results were compared to those obtained for 40 full-term healthy newborn infants. Results pertinent to this last group were reported previously. Results here reported confirm that there is a higher total protein concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid of the premature newborn infant. Statistical analysis shows that the difference is significant (t : 2.16). The mean protein profile shows a protein fractions distribution proper to the "mixed profile type". The absence of tau-fraction was the most commonly finding observed in this way. Data were compared to those reported in the literature, and they were also considered proper to immaturity conditions of blood brain barrier.     

Cerebrospinal fluid pressure

The cerebrospinal fluid pressure at the foramen of Monro in man in the recumbent position is less than 100 mm water relative to atmospheric pressure. The oscillations in the pressure wave due to respiration and cardiac pulsation vary with the actual pressure and increase as the overall pressure rises. In man lying horizontally the oscillation at the foramen of Monro is usually less than 50 mm water pressure, of which the cardiac component is about 15 mm and the respiratory component 35 mm water pressure. The fluid pressure within the cranial cavity is not uniform. In the recumbent face upwards position the pressure at the frontal pole is close to atmospheric or slightly subatmospheric but at the occipital pole is of the order of 160 to 190 mm water pressure. Examples are given showing the effect of posture on cerebrospinal fluid pressures in man and in the goat. The concentration of arachnoid granulations and venous lacunae near the vertex and the pressures in this region are discussed. The need for more precise methods of pressure measurement in the superior sagittal sinus is outlined by citing the Pitot tube. Pressure studies on patients with presenile dementia and dilated cerebral ventricles are reported.     

Differential counting of cerebrospinal fluid cells by the facilitated gravitational sedimentation method. 2. The concept of normality

Cisternal or lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens of 59 healthy persons were examined for differential cell count with a new improved sedimentation chamber, similar to that one of Sayk. The purpose of this study was to compare our results to those already described in the literature. Technical care was taken in order to increase the accuracy of this investigation and it consisted mainly of counting all the existing cells in the preparation, and not only 100 cells or a lesser number, recorded in percentage. The results of this survey have shown that the normal mean values for the CSF cytomorphology are 58.8 per cent lymphocitic cells, 41.0 per cent monocytoid cells, and 0.2 per cent neutrophilic granulocytes. These figures are in good agreement with those already reported by numerous authors, when we consider the lymphocytic and monocytoid cells, but they revealed a fact seldom seen reported: the possibility of a few neutrophilic granulocytes as a constituent of the normal CSF cytomorphology.     

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis Clinical neurochemistry

Journal of Neurology -     

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis Clinical neurochemistry

Poster Session IV

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis Clinical neurochemistry     

Cerebrospinal fluid diversion procedures.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion procedures remain the principal method of treatment of hydrocephalus and an important option in treating idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Recent advances in CSF shunt hardware offer some promise in reducing the rate of complications. Third ventriculostomy has become an increasingly practiced alternative to conventional shunting in an ever-widening patient population. Long-term follow-up studies have identified complications of lumboperitoneal shunt placement. Advances in surgical navigation suggest that ventriculoperitoneal shunting may be a viable alternative in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.