Reference values of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, inorganic phosphate and magnesium levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of children

Concentration of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, inorganic phosphate and magnesium was determined in cerebrospinal fluid of 155 children (ages 1 month - 16 years). On the basis of clinical criterions the children were considered to be "healthy". The total number of examined children was 2 500 (1978-1983). The statistical age- and sexspecific investigation of the results showed no significant differences. Compilation of the values resulted in a physiological concentration of sodium 132.3 +/- 17.6 mval/l, potassium 2,59 +/- 0.37 mval/l, chloride 113.1 +/- 15.5 mval/l, calcium 3.47 +/- 1.45 mval/l, inorganic phosphate 1.11 +/- 0.21 mg/dl and magnesium 2.60 +/- 0.46 mg/dl.