Cortisol kinetics in cerebrospinal fluid during bacterial meningitis

Bacterial meningitis (BM) remains an infectious disease with a significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the kinetics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cortisol levels during BM and to assess its relationship to disease severity and etiology. A total of 55 patients with BM were enrolled in the study. Elevated CSF cortisol upon admission and its rapid decrease after starting therapy were associated with increased BM severity as assessed by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, Glasgow Coma Scale score and the Glasgow Outcome Scale score. The comparison of CSF cortisol according to BM etiology revealed a trend toward higher concentrations in meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae compared to Neisseria meningitidis. Our results demonstrate that the initially elevated CSF cortisol concentrations decrease rapidly after administration of BM therapy (i.e. antibiotics and dexamethasone). Moreover, this rapid reduction of CSF cortisol was found in patients with high severity scores.     

Adenosine deaminase activity in cerebrospinal fluid and serum for the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of serum and CSF adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity for the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) from other meningitis.

Methods

We studied CSF and serum ADA activity for 83 cases of TBM, 148 of bacterial meningitis (BM), and 262 of viral or aseptic meningitis.

Results

The mean ADA activities (IU/L) in CSF and serum were higher in TBM (11.80 ± 2.50, 30.28 ± 7.30) than in other types of meningitis (8.52 ± 3.60, 17.90 ± 9.20 in BM; 5.26 ± 1.90, 8.56 ± 5.9 in viral or aseptic meningitis). When we accepted a serum ADA activity cut-off value of 15 IU/L for the differential diagnosis of TBM and non-TBM with ROC analysis, the sensitivity was 84% and specificity was 82%. Combining CSF (≥10) and serum (≥15) ADA activity significantly increased overall specificity from 92% to 97% for the diagnosis of TBM.

Conclusions

The determination of CSF and serum ADA activity is a simple and reliable test for differentiating TBM from other types of meningitis.     

Polymorphonuclear pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid during chemotherapy for tuberculous meningitis

Summary Five patients on chemotherapy for tuberculous meningitis developed sudden and unexpected cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis consisting predominantly of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. The cellular changes, which developed 4–108 days after starting treatment, were not accompanied by an alteration in the clinical state and disappeared within a week whether or not an additional antibiotic was prescribed. Though the cause is uncertain, possible mechanisms are discussed. We are prompted to report these cases because the cytological changes are not well recognised and may cause difficulties in management.     

Dexamethasone decreases cerebrospinal fluid soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 levels in bacterial meningitis

It is known that the use of adjunctive dexamethasone in bacterial meningitis reduces audiologic and neurologic sequelae. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) level of soluble tumor necrosis factor 1 (sTNFR1) is an important indicator of neurologic sequelae in bacterial meningitis. We measured the CSF levels of IL-6 and sTNFR1 before administration of antibiotics (CSF1) and 1-3 days after administration of antibiotics (CSF2) in nine patients with bacterial meningitis who received dexamethasone sodium and five without dexamethasone. The CSF2 IL-6 levels of patients with/without dexamethasone were significantly lower than for CSF1 IL-6 levels (p = 0.0077, and p = 0.0431, respectively). There were no significant differences of the ratio of CSF2/CSF1 IL-6 levels between patients with dexamethasone and those without dexamethasone. CSF2 sTNFR1 levels of patients with dexamethasone were significantly lower than for CSF1 sTNFR1 levels (p = 0.0208). However, CSF2 sTNFR1 levels of patients without dexamethasone were significantly higher than for CSF1 sTNFR1 levels (p = 0.0422). The ratio of CSF2/CSF1 sTNFR1 levels of patients with dexamethasone was significantly lower than that without dexamethasone (p = 0.0063). Our present study suggests that dexamethasone inhibits increase of CSF sTNFR1 levels after antibiotics therapy in bacterial meningitis.     

Level of transforming growth factor beta 1 is elevated in cerebrospinal fluid of children with acute bacterial meningitis

We investigated the levels of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in children with meningitis, with a view to prognostic relevance. CSF TGF-β1 levels on admission were measured by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay in children with bacterial meningitis (n = 16), aseptic meningitis (n = 12), and control subjects without evidence of central nervous system (CNS) infection (n = 16). Patients were followed up for a mean duration of 13 months, and neurodevelopmental sequelae was determined for those with bacterial meningitis. On admission, CSF TGF-β1 levels were significantly higher in children with bacterial meningitis (mean, standard error, 32.92, 2.36 pg/ml) as opposed to those with aseptic meningitis (25.26, 1.72 pg/ml) (P = 0.0155), or control subjects (20.53, 1.05 pg/ml) (P < 0.0001). The CSF TGF-β1 levels in children with aseptic meningitis were higher than those in the control group, but without significance (P = 0.02). No apparent correlation existed between CSF TGF-β1 levels and CSF protein or cell counts in patients with bacterial meningitis. No significant difference in CSF TGF-β1 levels was found between patients with or without major sequelae following bacterial meningitis. Received: 19 March 1997 Received in revised form: 24 June 1997 Accepted: 20 August 1997     

Silver stained isoelectrophoresis of tears and cerebrospinal fluid in multiple sclerosis

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis aids in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. However, this examination is invasive. The aim of this study was to assess the potentials of a new method of tears isoelectrophoresis (IEF). Silver staining of IEF was used to examined tears and CSF from 123 patients including 60 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), 50 other neurological patients and 13 patients with inflammatory neurological diseases. Tears were collected on a Shirmer strip placed in one eye, avoiding reflex secretion. This method of IEF with silver staining allowed the detection of oligoclonal bands in tears that were truly immunoglobulin G on immunofixation. The concordance rate between tears and CSF was 83 %, meaning that CSF provided no more information than tears analysis in 83 % of cases. Sensitivity in tears (72 %) and CSF (75 %) was very close as was specificity (respectively 84 % and 86 %). High concordance between tears and CSF is the first step in developing a non invasive test which could replace lumbar puncture, particularly when this procedure is not fearalele or is refused by the patient. Received: 30 August 2000 / Received in revised form: 15 December 2000 / Accepted: 19 February 2001     

脑脊液检测对隐球菌性脑膜炎的临床意义

目的探讨脑脊液(CSF)检测对隐球菌性脑膜炎(CM)的临床诊断、治疗及预后的意义。方法分析36例CM患者的CSF动态变化、疗效及转归。结果 CM患者在治疗前32例(88.9%)CSF压力升高、34例(94.4%)墨汁染色阳性、26例(72.2%)白细胞总数升高、33例(91.7%)蛋白质含量升高、27例(75.0%)氯化物含量降低,治疗后6例(33.3%)脑脊液压力升高、4例(22.2%)墨汁染色阳性、8例(44.4%)白细胞总数升高、10例(55.6%)蛋白质含量升高、4例(22.2%)氯化物含量降低,且上述指标均呈动态变化。36例患者中治愈17例(47.2%),好转10例(27.8%),死亡9例(死于脑疝)(25%)。结论脑脊液检查是CM临床诊断最重要的手段,在治疗过程中可作为动态观察CM疗效的指标。     

Utility of cerebrospinal fluid cortisol level in acute bacterial meningitis

Background:

Meningitis remains a serious clinical problem in developing as well as developed countries. Delay in diagnosis and treatment results in significant morbidity and mortality. The role and levels of intrathecal endogenous cortisol is not known.

Objective:

To study the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cortisol levels and to evaluate its role as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker in acute bacterial meningitis.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty patients with acute bacterial meningitis with no prior treatment were evaluated. Cortisol levels were compared with 20 patients with aseptic (viral) meningitis and 25 control subjects.

Results:

Mean CSF cortisol level was 13.85, 3.47, and 1.05 in bacterial meningitis, aseptic meningitis, and controls, respectively. Mean CSF cortisol level in bacterial meningitis was significantly higher as compared to controls (P < 0.001). There was significant difference in CSFcortisol levels in bacterial and aseptic meningitis (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Cortisol levels in CSF are highly elevated in patients with acute bacterial meningitis. This suggests that intrathecalcortisol may serve as a valuable, rapid, relatively inexpensive diagnostic marker in discriminatingbetween bacterial and aseptic meningitis. This helps in earlier institution of appropriate treatment and thereby decreasing morbidity and mortality.     

Cerebrospinal fluid lactate in post-neurosurgical bacterial meningitis diagnosis

Background

Differential diagnosis between post-neurosurgical bacterial meningitis (PNBM) and aseptic meningitis is difficult. Inflammatory and biochemical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) changes mimic those classically observed after CNS surgery. CSF lactate assay has therefore been proposed as a useful PNBM marker.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CSF lactate as a PNBM marker in patients hospitalized after a neurosurgical procedure.

Methods

Between July 2005 and June 2009, a prospective clinical study, in which all patients with clinical suspicion of PNBM were enrolled, was conducted at our neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit. PNBM diagnosis was categorized as proven, probable or negative before the analysis.

Results

Seventy-nine patients, 51 males with a mean age of 50 years (range 32–68 years) were included. Surgery was elective in 76% patients, mostly for brain tumors (57%); thirty PNBM episodes were identified. CSF parameters were significantly different in glucose concentration (27 mg% vs. 73 mg%, p < 0.001), lactate (8 mmol/L vs. 2.8 mmol/L, p < 0.001), CSF neutrophil pleocytosis (850 mm^–3 vs. 10 mm^–3, p < 0.001), and protein levels (449 mg% vs. 98 mg%) between the PNBM and non-PNBM groups. The ROC curve that best fits PNBM diagnosis is lactate.

Conclusion

Increased CSF lactate is a useful PNBM marker, with better predictive value than CSF hypoglycorrhachia or pleocytosis. Lactate levels ≥4 mmol/L showed 97% sensitivity and 78% specificity, with a 97% negative predictive value.     

脑脊液淋巴样细胞检出对结核性脑膜炎早期诊断价值

目的：为了使脑脊液细胞学检查能对结核性脑膜炎提供早期诊断依据。方法：用侯氏法收集脑脊液细胞,对７８例结核性脑膜炎与８５例其它中枢神经系统感染患者脑脊液细胞学结果经分析。结果：结核性脑膜炎脊液中淋巴样细胞和浆检出阳性率分别为９５％和６２％,而毒性脑膜炎则为７３％和４９％、隐球菌性脑膜炎为５０％和３３％、寄生虫性脑膜炎为５６％和３１％、化脓性脑膜炎为２５％和１３％,均明显低于结核性脑膜炎、结论：脑脊液     

Prevalence of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal IgG bands in Greek patients with clinically isolated syndrome and multiple sclerosis

Lower prevalence of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal IgG bands (IgG-OCBs) has been reported in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients from Southern Europe compared to other western countries.     

脑脊液中免疫球蛋白及腺苷脱氨酶测定对三种脑膜炎的诊断价值

目的 对不同病因的脑膜炎患者的脑脊液(CSF)中的免疫球蛋白(Ig)各组及腺苷脱氨酶(ADA)含量进行分析。方法 选取3组脑膜炎患者的CSF标本32份,对其中的Ig成分及ADA的含量进行测定。结果 结脑患者的CGF中ADA含量显著升高,IgG显著增高(P<0.01);化脑患者CGF中IgG显著增高(P<0.01),ADA无显著性变化;病脑患者CSF中Ig、ADA均没有显著性变化。结论 对脑膜炎患者CSF中Ig各组分及ADA含量的联合测定对病因的鉴别诊断具有很高的应用价值。     

Persistent increase of matrix metalloproteinases in cerebrospinal fluid of tuberculous meningitis

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 were analyzed by gelatin zymography and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with tuberculous meningitis (n=24), acute aseptic meningitis (n=23) and the control (n=10). The MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in the samples from the tuberculous meningitis patients than those from either the aseptic meningitis patients or the controls. In tuberculous meningitis, the patients with late neurologic complications had higher MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels than those without. The persistent increase in the MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels was associated with the development of complications following tuberculous meningitis. Inhibiting the MMPs may be an effective strategy for preventing or reducing the complications in tuberculous meningitis.     

A rapid and simple cannulation technique for repeated sampling of cerebrospinal fluid in freely moving rats

A cannulation technique for frequent sampling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in unanaesthetized freely moving rats is described. A permanent stainless steel cannula, constructed in such a way that no loss of CSF occurs, is placed into the rat's cisterna magna and fixed to the skull by anchoring screws and dental cement. A special CSF outflow opening of the cannula is connected to polyethylene tubing for CSF sampling. Amounts of 50–150 μl CSF can be collected repeatedly without any sign of disturbing the animal. The technique lends itself not only to pilot studies in which within a short period of time a large amount of CSF is wanted, but also to experiments in which physiological conditions are required.     

结核性脑膜炎87例临床及脑脊液分析

目的探讨近几年结核性脑膜炎的临床特点及影响预后相关因素。方法回顾性分析2002年1月～2007年12月南京脑科医院87例结核性脑膜炎患者临床特点、脑脊液(CSF)变化、影像学改变及其转归。结果结核性脑膜炎患者临床特点多以头疼、发热及脑膜刺激症为主,缺乏典型结核中毒症状;87例患者头颅CT或MRI资料,其中38例检查有异常发现。87例患者中4例院内死亡,6例转外院。83例患者中,60例随访到,失访率27.7%。随访时间从1到4年,平均2 0.18年,10例遗留不同程度神经系统并发症,8例死亡,42例临床治愈。结论结核性脑膜炎的转归和预后取决于早期诊断和治疗。其临床症状多无特异性,对临床表现不典型者进行动态观察,反复做腰穿脑脊液检查。头颅CT和MRI检查对结核性脑膜炎诊断非常重要,对高度怀疑结核性脑膜炎的可做诊断性抗结核治疗,避免误诊、误治。     

Detection of oligoclonal IgA in cerebrospinal fluid samples by an isoelectric focusing procedure

An isoelectric focusing procedure for the detection of oligoclonal IgA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples is presented. CSF IgA bands were found in 69% of patients with various inflammatory neurological diseases, in 22% of patients with other neurological diseases, but in none of the patients with non-neurological diseases. In patients with inflammatory neurological diseases we examined the relationship between an intrathecal synthesis of oligoclonal IgA and an intrathecal IgA synthesis as proved by a formula recently described by Reiber and Felgenhauer: 83% of patients with an intrathecal IgA synthesis according to the formula of Reiber and Felgenhauer also showed CSF IgA bands whereas 59% of patients without an intrathecal IgA synthesis displayed an intrathecal synthesis of oligoclonal IgA. Seventeen percent of patients with inflammatory neurological diseases were characterized by an intrathecal synthesis of oligoclonal IgA but did not show either an intrathecal IgA synthesis or an intrathecal synthesis of oligoclonal IgG, the detection of oligoclonal IgA therefore being the only evidence of an intrathecal humoral immune response in these patients.     

结核性与化脓性脑膜炎的脑脊液生化指标鉴别诊断

目的研究脑脊液生化指标在结核性脑膜炎和化脓性脑膜炎鉴别诊断中的应用价值。方法选择我院收治的102例结核性脑膜炎患者(结脑组)及89例化脓性脑膜炎患者(化脑组)为研究对象。对全部患者血浆及脑脊液中的蛋白、糖、氯化物和腺苷脱氨酶(ADA)进行检测。同时,对脑脊液与血浆中的蛋白、糖、氯化物和ADA比值进行计算并比较。结果结脑组脑脊液检测中,氯化物水平显著低于化脑组(P0.01),ADA水平显著高于化脑组(P0.01);结脑组血浆检测中,蛋白及氯化物水平显著低于化脑组(P0.01),ADA水平显著高于化脑组(P0.01);结脑组脑脊液与血浆生化指标比值中,蛋白及ADA的比值显著高于化脑组(P0.05),氯化物的比值显著低于化脑组(P0.01)。结论脑脊液中氯化物和ADA水平及脑脊液和血浆中蛋白、ADA及氯化物的比值对结核性脑膜炎和化脓性脑膜炎的早期鉴别诊断具有一定的价值。     

老年结核性脑膜炎27例脑脊液细胞学动态分析

目的了解老年结核性脑膜炎患者急性期和恢复期脑脊液(CSF)细胞学变化特点和应用价值。方法 27例老年结核性脑膜炎病人经临床和辅助检查确诊,所获脑脊液采用自然沉淀法收集细胞,经MGG染色后光学显微镜下行细胞分类计数。结果 53份CSF标本有3份结果阴性(5.6%),余50份CSF细胞学均有异常。急性发病期CSF白细胞多以免疫活性细胞为主,其中转化型淋巴细胞出现率最高(83.33%),恢复期吞噬细胞出现率上升明显,达到65.38%。急性和恢复期均以转化型淋巴细胞反应为主的混合型细胞反应占优势。结论 CSF细胞学可协助早期诊断老年结核性脑膜炎,并对病程监测,预后评估提供帮助。     

A simple method for obtaining chronic cerebrospinal fluid samples from awake rats

KISER, R. S. A simple method for obtaining chronic cerebrospinal fluid samples from awake rats. BRAIN RES. BULL. 8(6) 787–789, 1982.—A simple technique is described for taking repeated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from the cisterna magna of unanesthetized rats. The technique has the advantages that inexpensive, readily available materials are used, the cannulas remain patent for extended periods of time, and large volumes of CSF can be obtained.     

结核性脑膜炎和疱疹病毒脑膜脑炎脑脊液细胞学检查的特点分析

目的观察分析结核性脑膜炎(TBM)和疱疹病毒脑膜脑炎(HVME)的脑脊液细胞学特点。方法对经下一代基因测序技术确诊的28例TBM和27例HVME患者进行脑脊液细胞学检查及动态观察。结果 TBM组脑脊液嗜中性粒细胞比例显著高于HVME组(P 0. 01),而小淋巴细胞比例低于HVME组(P 0. 01)。HVME组有6例(22. 22%)患者查见红细胞和/或含铁血黄素吞噬细胞,有2例查见细胞内包涵体,而TBM组则均未查见。脑脊液细胞学动态观察发现,TBM组白细胞计数和嗜中性粒细胞比例下降的速度、小淋巴细胞比例上升的速度均较HVME组缓慢,且呈波动性。结论TBM和HVME的脑脊液细胞反应类型不同,TBM表现为混合型细胞反应,HVME则以淋巴细胞反应为主。HVME并发出血的机率显著高于TBM,而且常见细胞内包涵体。动态观察结果表明脑脊液细胞学检查可做为病情观察、疗效判定和预后评估的客观指标,具有十分重要的临床意义。