Software for cerebrospinal fluid diagnostics and statistics / Software para el diagnóstico y estadísticas del líquido cefalorraquídeo

Background: In CSF analysis for diagnostics we have knowledge-based software for numerical and graphical data interpretation, but software programs for statistics are scarce. Free, stand-alone software programs that calculate all individual functions of CSF protein analysis and allow the statistical treatment of groups of diseases numerically and graphically are presented for relevant examples. Methods: Diagnosis of an intrathecal synthesis refers to the upper limit of the reference range, Qlim = Qmean +3SD, but statistical evaluation of its frequency is referred to Qmean+2SD. When quantifying intrathecal synthesis for statistics, either the absolute amount (IgGloc) or the relative intrathecal fraction (IgGIF) can be reported with reference to the mean reference curve, Qmean. The free software CSF research Tool for immunoglobulins allows diagnostic and statistic evaluations with Reibergrams and calculation of mean values and standard deviations from disease groups. The software FLC-K statistics for free light chains Kappa offers for diagnostics and statistics the numerical and graphical interpretation basis for statistical processing in exported Excel tables. A free "CSF-App" for Smartphones provides data calculation for diagnostics of single patients with examples of disease-related data patterns. Results: Patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) who were later diagnosed as MS showed no immunological differences to patients initially diagnosed as MS (same mean quantity of intrathecal synthesis in CIS and MS detectable for IgG and FLC-K). The frequently claimed diagnostically higher sensitivity of the FLCK analysis compared to IgG, can be explained by the up to 3-fold higher mean intrathecal fraction of FLC-K, corresponding to a higher frequency in the detection of intrathecal synthesis with FLCK analysis. Conclusions: With a knowledge-based quantification in CSF analysis, supported by knowledge-based software programs, scientifically and diagnostically important results can be obtained(AU)

Introducción: Los programas de software gratuitos y autónomos que calculan todas las funciones individuales del análisis de proteínas del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) y permiten el tratamiento estadístico de grupos de enfermedades de forma numérica y gráfica se presentan como ejemplos relevantes. Métodos: Cuando se cuantifica la síntesis intratecal para la estadística, se puede informar la cantidad absoluta (IgGloc) o la fracción intratecal relativa (IgGIF) con referencia a la curva de referencia media, Qmean. El software gratuito "CSF research Tool" para inmunoglobulinas permite realizar evaluaciones diagnósticas y estadísticas con Reibergrams y calcular los valores medios y las desviaciones estándar de los grupos de enfermedades. El software FLC-K statistics para Free light chains Kappa ofrece para el diagnóstico y la estadística la base de interpretación numérica y gráfica para el procesamiento estadístico en tablas exportadas de Excel. El programa CSF-App para teléfonos inteligentes es gratuito y ofrece el cálculo de datos para el diagnóstico de pacientes individuales con ejemplos de patrones de datos relacionados con enfermedades. Resultados: Los pacientes con síndrome clínico aislado (SCA) que posteriormente fueron diagnosticados como EM no mostraron diferencias inmunológicas con respecto a los pacientes inicialmente diagnosticados como EM (la misma cantidad media de síntesis intratecal en el síndrome clínico aislado y EM detectable para IgG y FLC-K). La sensibilidad más elevada que se afirma con frecuencia en el diagnóstico del análisis de FLC-K en comparación con la IgG, puede explicarse por la fracción intratecal media hasta tres veces mayor de FLC-K, que corresponde a una mayor frecuencia en la detección de la síntesis intratecal con el análisis de FLC-K. Conclusiones: Con la cuantificación en el análisis del LCR se pueden obtener resultados importantes desde el punto de vista científico y diagnóstico(AU)

Valores del análisis citoquímico de líquido cefalorraquídeo en pacientes con derivación ventrículo-peritoneal / Values of cerebrospinal fluid cytochemistry in pediatric patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Resumen Introducción: La derivación ventrículo-peritoneal (DVP) es el tratamiento para la hidrocefalia. El líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) se evalúa para el manejo de sus complicaciones; sin embargo, la información de los valores del citoquímico en esta población es insuficiente. Objetivo: Describir las características del citoquímico del LCR de niños en manejo con DVP. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio de tipo observacional descriptivo, desarrollado en Bogotá (Colombia), entre el año 2008 y 2016. Se revisaron los registros de procedimientos de DVP y relacionados. Se incluyeron pacientes entre 6 meses y 18 años de edad. Resultados: Se revisaron 285 registros e ingresaron 31 muestras. Los valores de LCR fueron, respectivamente, para la mediana y al percentil 90%: leucocitos totales: 0 y 7 céls/mm3, neutrófilos: 0 y 6,8 céls/mm3, linfocitos: 0 y 2 céls/mm3, proteínas: 13,4 y 67,2 mg/dL, glucosa: 59 y 27,4 mg/dL. Discusión: Los valores de glucosa presentan un rango normal hacia el extremo inferior más amplio, con valores de proteínas mayores a los valores esperados. El rango de celularidad es la variable que presenta menor variación. Conclusiones: Los valores del citoquímico de LCR en paciente con DVP no son equiparables a los de la población sana y deben interpretarse según las características propias de esta población.

Background: The ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS) is the treatment for hydrocephalus, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is evaluated for the management of its complications; however, information on the values of the cytochemistry in this population is insufficient. Aim: To describe the characteristics of the CSF cytochemistry of children in VPS management. Methods: Descriptive observational study, developed in Bogotá (Colombia), from 2008 to 2016. VPS and related procedures records were reviewed. Patients between 6 months and 18 years were included. Results: A total of 285 records were reviewed, 31 samples were entered. The CSF values were, respectively, for the median and 90% percentile: total leukocytes: 0 and 7 cells/mm3, neutrophils: 0 and 6.8 cells/mm3, lymphocytes: 0 and 2 cells/mm3, proteins: 13.4 and 67.2 mg/dL, glucose: 59 and 27.4 mg/dL. Discussion: Glucose values evinced a normal rank towards the widest inferior limit with protein values exceeding the values expected. Cellularity is the variable with the lowest variation. Conclusions: The values of the CSF cytochemistry in patients with VPS are not comparable to those of the healthy population and should be interpreted according to the characteristics of this population.

Kinetics-like equation for cerebrospinal fluid-blood diffusion models

Introduction: The diffusion of proteins from the blood to the cerebrospinal fluid is influenced by its molecular weight and by the intrinsic properties and biological properties of the protein. Methods: Paired samples of serum and cerebrospinal fluid were taken from normal subjects to quantify albumin and proteins of the lectin pathway of the complement system. The distribution of these with regard to the value of QAlbúmin = (Albumin in serum / albumin in cerebrospinal fluid) was evaluated because this protein is used as a marker of the passage of the barrier. Results: It was observed that some of these describe a saturation pattern which resembles the curves that describe the Michaelis-Menten reaction of enzymatic activity. This led to the consideration of two constants that will help to characterize the behavior of these proteins by spreading to the cerebrospinal fluid: the maximum Q of the protein, which is the maximum proportion found empirically between the concentrations in blood and cerebrospinal fluid and the value Kcdw which is the value of the average diffusion speed of Q albumin when the semi-maximal value of the Q of the protein under study is obtained. Conclusions: Empirically obtained constants will help the characterization and differentiation of the diffusion of these new proteins as they pass from the blood to the cerebrospinal fluid(AU)

Progress in cerebrospinal fluid proteome technology and its clinical application / 生物工程学报

Cerebrospinal fluid surrounds and supports the central nervous system, including the ventricles and subarachnoid spaces. Cerebrospinal fluid should be an important source of biomarkers for central nervous system diseases because it is in direct contact with the central nervous system. Many studies are reported on cerebrospinal fluid proteomics, highlighting many recent progresses. Here, we review recent advances in proteomics technology and clinical application of cerebrospinal fluid.

Non-inflammatory cerebrospinal fluid delays the diagnosis and start of immunotherapy in anti-NMDAR encephalitis / La ausencia de hallazgos de inflamación en líquido cefalorraquídeo retrasa el inicio de inmunoterapia en la encefalitis anti-NMDAR

ABSTRACT Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is a form of autoimmune encephalopathy that presents with a wide variety of symptoms, including neuropsychiatric manifestations. The authors' aim for this study was to analyze the results of paraclinical studies of patients with a diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and the association between symptom onset and diagnosis, and start of immunotherapy. Retrospective data of 29 patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were gathered and analyzed. Abnormal EEG was found in 27 patients (93.1%), whereas MRI was abnormal in 19 patients (65.5%). In contrast, an inflammatory pattern on CSF analysis was found in only 13 patients (44.8%). The absence of pleocytosis or increased proteins in the CSF was associated with a longer time from symptom onset to diagnosis and treatment (p = 0.003). The authors conclude that noninflammatory CSF may delay the correct diagnosis and start of immunotherapy in anti-NMDAR encephalitis. In the presence of suggestive clinical features, extensive studies including EEG are recommended.

RESUMEN La encefalitis por receptor anti-N-metil-D-aspartato (anti-NMDAR) es una encefalopatía autoinmune con una amplia variedad de síntomas, incluyendo manifestaciones neuropsiquiátricas. Nuestro objetivo en este estudio fue analizar los resultados paraclínicos de pacientes diagnosticados con encefalitis anti-NMDAR y la asociación entre inicio de sintomatología, el diagnóstico y el inicio de inmunoterapia. Encontramos un EEG anormal en 27 pacientes (93.1%), así como IRM anormal en 19 de ellos (65.5%). En contraste, el análisis de LCR mostró un patrón inflamatorio en tan solo 13 pacientes (44.8%). La ausencia de pleocitosis o proteínas incrementadas en el LCR se asoció con un mayor tiempo desde el inicio de la sintomatología hasta el inicio del tratamiento (p=0.003). Concluimos que el LCR no inflamatorio puede retrasar el diagnóstico correcto y el inicio de tratamiento en encefalitis anti-NMDAR, por lo que se recomienda la realización de estudios exhaustivos, incluyendo EEG, ante la presencia de indicadores clínicos sugerentes del padecimiento.

Knowledge-base for interpretation of cerebrospinal fluid data patterns. Essentials in neurology and psychiatry / Bases do conhecimento para interpretação de padrões de dados em líquido cefalorraquidiano. Essenciais em neurologia e psiquiatria

ABSTRACT The physiological and biophysical knowledge base for interpretations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) data and reference ranges are essential for the clinical pathologist and neurochemist. With the popular description of the CSF flow dependent barrier function, the dynamics and concentration gradients of blood-derived, brain-derived and leptomeningeal proteins in CSF or the specificity-independent functions of B-lymphocytes in brain also the neurologist, psychiatrist, neurosurgeon as well as the neuropharmacologist may find essentials for diagnosis, research or development of therapies. This review may help to replace the outdated ideas like “leakage” models of the barriers, linear immunoglobulin Index Interpretations or CSF electrophoresis. Calculations, Interpretations and analytical pitfalls are described for albumin quotients, quantitation of immunoglobulin synthesis in Reibergrams, oligoclonal IgG, IgM analysis, the polyspecific ( MRZ- ) antibody reaction, the statistical treatment of CSF data and general quality assessment in the CSF laboratory. The diagnostic relevance is documented in an accompaning review.

RESUMO As bases do conhecimento biológico e biofísico para interpretação de dados do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR), assim como das faixas de referência, são essenciais para o patologista clínico e para o neuroquímico. Com a descrição popular da função de barreira dependente do fluxo LCR, a dinâmica e os gradientes de concentração das proteínas derivadas do sangue, do cérebro e da leptomeninge no LCR, bem como as funções específico-independentes dos linfócitos B no cérebro também podem ser essenciais para o diagnóstico ou o desenvolvimento de terapias pelo neurologista, psiquiatra, neurocirurgião e neurofarmacologista. Essa revisão pode auxiliar na substituição de conceitos ultrapassados como os dos modelos de “ruptura” das barreiras, das interpretações lineares do índice de imunoglobulina ou da eletroforese do LCR. Cálculos, interpretações e armadilhas analíticas são descritos para quocientes de albumina, quantificação da síntese de imunoglobulinas em Reibergramas, IgG oligoclonal, análise de IgM, reação MRZ (anticorpo poliespecífico), tratamento estatístico de dados do LCR e qualidade geral das análises no laboratório de LCR. A relevância do diagnóstico está documentada em uma revisão anexa a este documento.

Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in racemose form of neurocysticercosis / Análise do líquido cefalorraquidiano na forma racemosa da neurocisticercose

The present work aimed to evaluate the pattern of CSF alterations in patients diagnosed with neurocysticercosis (NCC) in racemose form.Method This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with diagnosis of NCC in racemose form. CSF samples from 26 patients were analyzed. After patient-chart analysis was performed descriptive analysis of case studies and comparison between sexes in relation to variables were obtained with CSF by Mann-Whitney and Student’s t-tests.Results The sexes did not differ statistically when compared to pleocytosis in CSF. Eosinophils were present in 31% in samples while the ELISA test presented 80% sensitivity in this case series. Of the patient total, 24 presented a meningitis pattern with lymphocytic predominance.Conclusion There was no difference in inflammatory pattern between the sexes, with predominance of lymphocytic meningitis and 80% sensitivity by ELISA test of CSF patients with racemose form of NCC.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o padrão de alterações do LCR de pacientes com diagnóstico de neurocisticercose (NCC) na forma racemosa.Método Trata-se de estudo de coorte retrospectiva, de pacientes com diagnóstico de forma racemosa da NCC. Foram analisadas amostras de LCR de 26 pacientes. Após análise de prontuário foi realizada análise descritiva da casuística e comparação entre sexos em relação às variáveis obtidas com o LCR por meio dos testes de Mann-Whitney e t-Student.Resultados Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante quando comparado à pleocitose no LCR entre os sexos. Houve presença de eosinofilorraquia em 31% das amostras e o teste ELISA apresentou sensibilidade de 80% nesta casuística. Do total de paciente, 24 apresentaram padrão de meningite com predomínio linfocítico.Conclusão Não houve diferença no padrão inflamatório entre os sexos, com predomínio de meningite linfocítica e sensibilidade de 80% ao teste ELISA do LCR de pacientes da forma racemosa de NCC.

Chemical and cytological analysis of cerebral spinal fluid after intrathecal injection of hypodense fluorescein / Análise química e citológica do líquor após injeção intratecal de solução hipodensa de fluoresceína

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Intrathecal fluorescein has been effective for topographic diagnosis of rhinoliquorrhea. Nonetheless, there are no reports on the study of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) after use of intrathecal fluorescein. OBJECTIVE: A prospective study attempting to evaluate CSF through chemical and cytological analysis, after injection of fluorescein. METHODS: Prospective analysis of 24 samples of CSF after intrathecal injection of fluorescein for topographic diagnosis of CSF fistulae, collected at the time of puncture and after 24 and 48 h, divided by cellularity: Group 1, up to five cells, and Group 2, with more than five cells. RESULTS: The yellow-greenish color of CSF remained after 48 h in 36%, evidencing permanence of fluorescein. No changes in protein and glucose levels were observed between 0-24 h and 0-48 h. In group 2, an increase in cell count was observed between 24 h and 48 h (p = 0.019). In both groups, there was an increase of neutrophils between 0 and 48 h (p = 0.048) and a decrease between 24 and 48 h (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intrathecal fluorescein provoked discreet meningeal reactions, such as an increase of cells between 24 and 48 h and an increase of neutrophils at 24 h, with a subsequent decrease at 48 h with no correlation with symptomatology.

RESUMO Introdução: A fluoresceína intratecal tem sido efetiva no diagnóstico topográfico da rinoliquorréia. Entretanto, não há estudos no líquor após o uso de fluoresceína intratecal. Objetivo: Estudo prospectivo visando avaliar o líquor, através de análise química e citológica, após injeção de fluoresceína. Método: Análise prospectiva de 24 punções após injeção intratecal de fluoresceína para diagnóstico topográfico de fístula liquórica, coletado no momento da punção, 24 e 48 horas, divididos pela celularidade: grupo 1, com até 5 células e grupo 2 com mais de 5 células. Resultado: A coloração amarelo-esverdeada do líquor permaneceu após 48 horas em 36%, evidenciando permanência de fluoresceína. Observou-se ausência de mudanças no nível de proteína e glicose entre 0-24 horas e 0-48 horas. No grupo 2, um aumento na contagem celular foi observado entre 24 e 48 horas (p = 0,019). No dois grupos juntos, observou-se um aumento de neutrófilos entre 0 e 48 horas (p = 0,048) e uma diminuição entre 24 e 28 horas (p = 0,05). Conclusão: Fluoresceína intratecal provocou discretas reações meníngeas, como o aumento de células entre 24 e 48 horas e aumento dos dos neutrófilos em 24 horas com uma subsequente dimi nuição em 48 horas sem correlação com sintomas.

Reibergrama para evaluar la síntesis intratecal de Lectina de unión a Manosa / Reibergram to evaluate the Mannan binding Lectin intrathecal synthesis

INTRODUCCIÓN: la dinámica particular de las proteínas derivadas del cerebro en el líquido cefalorraquídeo es diferente a la dinámica de las proteínas derivadas de la sangre. OBJETIVO: describir los datos empíricos de la lectina de unión a manosa y brindar una interpretación teórica de la dinámica de esta proteína a través de la confección un nuevo reibergrama. MÉTODOS: la lectina de unión a manosa en suero y líquido cfalorraquídeo, fue medida en 40 adultos normales a través de un ensayo inmunofluorométrico. El criterio diagnóstico estuvo basado en; muestras controles (pacientes normales) y muestras de pacientes con enfermedades que cursaron con disfunción de barrera sangre-líquido cefalorraquídeo. RESULTADOS: el coeficiente de correlación entre la lectina de unión a manosa en el líquido cefalorraquídeo y en el suero, fue muy bajo. El reibergrama de la lectina de unión a manosa se diseñó de acuerdo con procedimientos previos. CONCLUSIONES: bajo cualquier condición de barrera sangre-líquido cefalorraquídeo, el reibergrama puede identificar la ocurrencia de síntesis intratecal de lectina de unión a manosa.

BACKGROUND: The dynamics of brain derived proteins in cerebrospinal fluid is different from the dynamics of blood-derived proteins. Aim: To describe the empirical data for mannan binding lectin and gives a theoretical interpretation of the dynamics of this protein in cerebrospinal fluid through a new reibergram. METHODS: Serum and cerebrospinal fluid mannan binding lectin were measured in 40 normal adults by immunofluorometric assays. The diagnostic criteria were based in; normal control samples defined clinically and diseases with blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier dysfunction. RESULTS: Correlation coefficient between cerebrospinal fluid MBL and serum MBL was very low. Mannan binding lectin reibergram was designed according with previous procedures. CONCLUSION: Under all conditions of the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, the reibergram can identify the occurrence of intrathecal mannan binding lectin synthesis.

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in the context of CNS demyelinating diseases / Analise do liquido cefalorraquiano no contexto das doencas desmielinizantes do SNC

The central nervous system demyelinating diseases are a group of disorders with different etiologies, characterized by inflammatory lesions that are associated with loss of myelin and eventually axonal damage. In this group the most studied ones are multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optic (NMO) and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). The cerebrospinal fluid is essential to differentiate between these different syndromes and to define multiple sclerosis, helping to assess the probability of Clinical Isolated Syndrome turn into multiple sclerosis.

As doenças desmielinizantes do sistema nervoso central são um grupo de desordens de diferentes etiologias, caracterizadas por lesões inflamatórias associadas a perda da mielina e eventualmente dano axonal. Neste grupo de doenças, as mais estudadas são a esclerose múltipla (EM), a neuromielite óptica e a encefalomielite aguda disseminada. O estudo de liquido cefalorraquiano é essencial para o diagnóstico diferencial entre as diferentes síndromes e para a definição de EM, ajudando a estimar a probabilidade da transformação da síndrome clínica isolada em EM.

Mielopatia torácica por calcificação do ligamento amarelo cursando com hiperproteinorraquia e resposta à corticoterapia: relato de caso / Thoracic myelopathy due to calcification of the ligamentum flavum with hyperproteinorachia and responsive to steroid therapy: case report

Calcificação e ossificação do ligamento amarelo ou do ligamento longitudinal posterior são causas de mielopatia compressiva, mais frequentes nos níveis torácicos inferiores e bastante raras em populações ocidentais. A descompressão cirúrgica é a única terapia proposta, mas a doença costuma ser progressiva e sua recorrência após a cirurgia não é incomum. Mediadores inflamatórios podem ter algum papel na progressão da mielopatia compressiva, mas não se tem notícia de qualquer proposta de abordagem terapêutica envolvendo agentes anti-inflamatórios. Neste contexto, relatamos um caso de mielopatia compressiva por calcificação do ligamento amarelo em que se observou hiperproteinorraquia e resposta à corticoterapia. Tais informações são inéditas e podem fornecer novas ideias para a compreensão da doença.

Calcification and ossification of the ligamentum flavum or of the posterior longitudinal ligament are causes of compressive myelopathy, more frequent in the lower thoracic levels, and extremely rare in Western populations. Surgical decompression is the only therapy, but the disease is usually progressive, and its recurrence after surgery is common. Inflammatory mediators might play a role in the progression of compressive myelopathy, but, to our knowledge, the therapeutic approach involving anti-inflammatory agents has never been tried before. We report a case of compressive myelopathy due to calcification of the ligamentum flavum, in which hyperproteinorachia and response to steroid therapy have been observed. Those data have not been published before and might provide new ideas for the disease understanding.

A diagnostic model of cerebrospinal protein fingerprint pattern for brain metastases of non-small cell lung cancer / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To establish a diagnostic model of protein fingerprint pattern in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The CSF samples were obtained from 29 NSCLC patients with brain metastasis, 23 non-tumor patients and 10 early-stage NSCLC patients without brain metastases for analysis of the protein expression profiles using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF-MS). The data were then analyzed by Biomarker Wizard software, and the tree analysis patterns were generated using the decision-tree model in Biomarker Patterns software. The diagnostic model was tested for its clinical application.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Five protein peaks were identified showing differential expression between patients with brain metastases and those without brain metastases. Combination of the 3 protein peaks (m/z: 8698.00, 1215.32 and 1245.70) could discriminate these two samples with a sensitivity of 100.00% (29/29) and a specificity of 100.00% (23/23). Five proteins were differentially expressed between the NSCLC patients with brain metastases and the non-tumor patients. With one protein peak (m/z: 6050.00), these two samples could be discriminated with a sensitivity of 90.00% (9/10) and a specificity of 78.26% (18/23).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The established diagnostic model of CSF protein fingerprint pattern provides high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of NSCLC with brain metastasis.</p>

Predictors of bacterial meningitis in adult patients of South West Iran

To study the clinical and lab parameters in adult patients with suspected or confirmed bacterial meningitis [BM] to find out the usefull predictors. This was a retrospective study conducted in Razi hospital, a training center affiliated to Ahvaz Joundishapoor University of Medical Sciences in Iran. All patients with meningitis aged 18 years or more between 2003 and 2007, with CSF pleocytosis and who had not received antibiotic treatment before lumbar puncture were reviewed. Among 312 patients with CSF pleocytosis, two hundred fifteen [68.9%] had BM and ninety seven [31.1%] had aseptic meningitis [ASM]. The mean age for patients with BM was 34.7 +/- 17.7 years and for ASM was 32.2 +/- 15.5 years [P=0.22, NS]. Sixty percent of the cases of BM and 61.2% of the cases of ASM occurred in men [P=0.70, NS]. We identified the following predictors of BM: CSF-WBC count>100 per micro liter, CSF-glucose level<40 mg/dl, CSF-protein level>80 mg/dl. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of these predictors, and LR for BM are 86.5%,52.6%,80.2%, 63.7% and 104.1 for CSF-WBC count and 72.1%, 83.5%, 90.6%,57.4% and 164.2% for CSF glucose, and 49.7%, 91.8%, 93.4%,45.2% and 104.5% for CSF protein. The CSF WBC count should not be used alone to rule out bacterial meningitis. When it is combined with other factors such as CSF glucose and protein it helps in decision making in patients suffering from bacterial meningitis

Exame do líquido cefalorraquidiano: influência da temperatura, tempo e preparo da amostra na estabilidade analítica / Cerebrospinal fluid exam: influence of sample preparation, temperature and time on analytical stability

O líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) é um fluido biológico que está em íntima relação com o sistema nervoso central (SNC). Por isso, o exame do LCR constitui um método de grande valia para o diagnóstico e o acompanhamento de diversas afecções neurológicas. Entretanto, existem poucos estudos sobre a estabilidade de seus analitos durante a etapa pré-analítica. OBJETIVO: Identificar dados existentes sobre a influência da temperatura e do tempo de estocagem, dos ciclos de congelamento/descongelamento e pré-tratamentos (centrifugação, desnaturação, adição de soro) na estabilidade dos analitos do LCR. MÉTODO: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de artigos da literatura, usando palavras-chave da língua inglesa como storage, cerebrospinal fluid, CSF, stability, temperature e period, com base nos serviços de dados de PubMed, Highwire Press, Lilacs e Amazonas Library, os quais permitem a pesquisa bibliográfica de citações e artigos científicos. RESULTADO: A busca encontrou nove artigos, resultado da escassez de trabalhos sobre o assunto. Os analitos do LCR estudados incluíram células (número e morfologia), proteínas totais, glicose, lactato, aminoácidos, creatina, creatinina, biomarcadores e enzimas. As metodologias se basearam em microscopia óptica, ensaio imunossorvente ligado à enzima (ELISA), Imunoblot/SDS-PAGE e fotometria. CONCLUSÃO: A revisão da literatura confirma que a estabilidade da amostra de LCR sofre influência da temperatura, do tempo de estocagem e das condições de preparo pré-analítico. Os achados desta revisão sistemática podem contribuir para a ampliação dos conhecimentos no exame do LCR, assim como o melhor entendimento sobre a estabilidade da amostra.

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a biological fluid that is in close relation with the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, the CSF examination constitutes an invaluable method in the diagnosis and monitoring of countless neurological diseases. However, there are a few studies about the stability of its analytes during the pre-analytical stage. OBJECTIVE: To identify existing data about the influence of temperature and storage time, freezing/thawing cycles and pre-treatments (centrifugation, denaturation, serum addition) on the stability of CSF analytes. METHOD: A systematic review of articles in the literature was conducted by use of Key words: in English such as "storage", "cerebrospinal fluid", "CSF", "stability", "temperature" and "period", based on data from PubMed, Highwire Press, Lilacs and Amazonas Library, free digital archives of biomedical research articles. RESULTt: The search found nine articles, what results from the lack of studies about this subject. Different CSF constituents were analyzed: number of cells and their morphology, total protein, glucose, lactate, amino acids, creatine, creatinine, biomarkers and enzymes. The methodologies employed were: optical microscopy, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Imunoblot/SDS-PAGE and spectrometry. CONCLUSION: The literature review confirms that the stability of CSF samples is influenced by temperature, storage time and conditions of pre-analytical preparation. The findings of this systematic review may contribute to improving the knowledge about CSF examination, as well as to better understanding the sample stability.

A pilot study on the proteome of cerebrospinal fluid of Staphylococcus epidermidis meningitis in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Bacterial meningitis is a kind of central nervous system infection with a high incidence, disability and fatality in children. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are associated with an improved prognosis. Low positive rate of bacterial cultures of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) makes it difficult to make a definite diagnosis. This experiment aimed to investigate a proteome profile of normal CSF of Chinese children by two-dimensional polyacrydamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE), and to sieve the disease-specific proteins of Staphylococcus epidermidis meningitis (SeM) to provide basis for early diagnosis and treatment of SeM.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Four mL CSF samples were obtained respectively from SeM and normal children. The separated proteins with immobile pH gradient (IPG) 2-DE technology and protein spots were visualized by Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining. The stained 2-DE gels were scanned on the Imagescanner and pictures were obtained through Labscan software. The images were analyzed with PDQuest software and the differences of protein spots were compared between the SeM and normal children.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Mean protein spots of the 2-DE gels were 438 and 425 in the SeM and normal groups respectively. Twenty-five protein spots only occurred in normal CSF and 12 spots only occurred in the SeM group. The expression of 6 protein spots showed up-regulation and that of 19 showed down-regulation in the SeM group compared with that in the normal group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>A 2-DE profile of CSF proteome was successfully established in SeM and normal children through proteomic technique. By the differentiated analysis of these CSF 2-DE gels, the differences of CSF proteome profiles were found between SeM and normal children. Future analysis and identification of these spots will contribute to find out the disease specific proteins of SeM and to provide basis for early diagnosis and therapy of this disorder.</p>

Tuberculous meningoencephalomyelitis and coinfection with HTLV-I + HTLV-II: case report

Os vírus HTLV-I e HTLV-II são endêmicos em algumas regiões do Brasil, onde uma das doenças associadas, a paraparesia espástica tropical/mielopatia associada ao HTLV (PET/MAH), tem sido diagnosticada em significativo número de pacientes infectados. Nesses indivíduos, a prevalência de tuberculose é maior que na população geral, sugerindo que possa haver um maior risco para esta comorbidade. Relatamos o caso de um homem de 44 anos coinfectado HTLV-I + HTLV-II que desenvolveu meningoencefalomielite por Mycobacterium tuberculosis. O paciente apresentou recuperação clínica parcial, correção da disfunção de barreira hemato-liquórica e negativação no PCR, mediante o tratamento com corticoesteróides e tuberculostáticos.

Influence of the cerebrospinal fluid laboratory parameters in the ELISA test for neurocysticercosis using a total cysticerci antigen

Avaliar se os parâmetros do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) podem influenciar na reatividade da resposta imune específica do LCR na neurocisticercose (NC). Amostras de LCR de 109 pacientes foram analisadas e classificadas em três grupos, de acordo com as manifestações neurológicas e reatividade do teste de Ab-ELISA para NC no LCR. Grupo A, 18 pacientes com enfermidades neurológicas compatíveis com NC e reatividade do teste Ab-ELISA para NC no LCR; grupo B, 50 pacientes com enfermidades neurológicas não compatíveis com NC e reatividade do teste Ab-ELISA para NC no LCR; grupo C, 41 pacientes com enfermidades neurológicas não compatíveis com NC e na ausência de reatividade do teste de Ab-ELISA para NC no LCR. A análise do LCR do grupo A foi compatível com NC. O grupo B apresentou maior freqüência e intensidade da pleocitose, da presença de hemácias no LCR, hiperproteinorraquia, reatividade imune para outros agentes etiológicos em comparação aos grupos A e C (p<0.05). Os dados indicam que o processo inflamatório e os elevados níveis de concentração da proteína no LCR podem influenciar na ocorrência de reações falso positivas de Ab-ELISA para NC. Destacamos a importância da correlação clínico-laboratorial para o diagnóstico de neurocisticercose e o uso de testes laboratoriais confirmatórios.