Biochemical Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid in Paediatric Patients: Insights from a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is an investigation routinely carried out in patients to make a diagnosis, exclude a diagnosis or treat infectious and non -infectious diseases of the nervous system. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid could be biochemical, microbiological or hematological. The aim of the study was to review the characteristics of biochemical analysis of cerebrospinal fluid requests over a one-year period (January to December 2023) in a tertiary health facility. Study Design: This was a retrospective descriptive study of the biochemical analysis of 106 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples over a one-year period in a tertiary health facility. Methodology: Data on the age, sex, diagnosis of the patients and the results of the biochemical analysis of the CSF were analysed using the SPSS 24 and results presented as descriptive data. Results: A total of 106 CSF specimen were analysed with only two specimen  from adults. Most of the specimen were from males (male to female ratio is 2.25:1) while the most common diagnoses for requesting for CSF analysis were meningitis, sepsis and febrile convulsion. Most specimen were sent between the months of October (9%), December (13%) and January to March (37%). The total number of CSF glucose results that were low when compared to the plasma glucose was 45 which is 42.3%. A little lower than a fifth 21  which is 19.8% had increased protein levels. Conclusion: The CSF biochemistry request pattern showed that most of the specimen were from the paediatrics department, with a higher male preponderance, the three main working diagnoses were, meningitis, sepsis and febrile convulsions. 42.3% of the specimen had reduced glucose levels, while 19.8% had increased protein levels. Improperly filled forms constituted a limitation to the study.