What Are the Normal Values for Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) in Children?
Mar 04, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Zongen
Introduction
In general, the normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure in children in the lateral decubitus position ranges from 40 to 100 mm H₂O. The normal CSF glucose concentration is approximately 450–750 mg/L, and the normal chloride concentration is approximately 72–75 mmol/L.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a colorless, transparent liquid found within the brain ventricles and subarachnoid space. Its specific gravity is 1.005, with a total volume of 130–150 mL. The average daily production is approximately 524 mL. So, what are the normal CSF values in children? Below is an explanation of this question.
What Are the Normal CSF Values in Children?
In general, normal CSF pressure in children measured in the lateral decubitus position ranges from 40 to 100 mm H2O. Normal CSF glucose concentration is approximately 450–750 mg/L, and normal chloride concentration is about 72–75 g/L.
Normal CSF contains 0–5 × 106/L nucleated cells; total protein concentration ranges from 0.15–0.45 g/L; glucose concentration ranges from 2.8–4.5 mmol/L; and chloride concentration ranges from 120–130 mmol/L.
CSF pressure may increase in patients with central nervous system infections, autoimmune disorders, or cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.
Conversely, CSF pressure may decrease in patients with malignancies, cachexia, or hypoalbuminemia.
For patients suspected of having intracranial pathology, lumbar puncture can be performed to collect CSF for laboratory analysis; antibody testing may also be indicated when clinically warranted.
The above outlines the normal CSF reference values in children. We hope this information is helpful to you.
