Hematologic parameters to predict negative cerebrospinal fluid examination results among neurologically intact patients who underwent lumbar puncture on suspicion of central nervous system infection

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination is mandatory whenever central nervous system (CNS) infection is suspected. However, pleocytosis is not detected in a substantial number of suspected patients who undergo CSF examination. This study aimed to identify parameters that can aid in predicting negative CSF examination results (defined as a white blood cell count of 0.7, and the best cutoff values were 6.0 (accuracy 70.3%) and 12.7 mg/L (accuracy 76.2%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥6 and C-reactive protein level ≥12.7 mg/L was significantly associated with negative CSF examination result.