Cerebrospinal fluid lactate and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis

Date
1986
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
The value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) activity in the rapid diagnosis of meningitis was investigated in three groups of patients - a 'no meningitis', an aseptic meningitis and a bacterial meningitis group. The sensitivity achieved in the detection of bacterial meningitis by CSF lactate values of 2,85 mmol/l (93,8%) and 3,9 mmol/l (89,6%) was greater than that reached by conventional chemical investigations using a CSF protein value of 1 g/l (81,5%) or a CSF glucose value of 2,2 mmol/l (68,8%) as the indicator. The sensitivity of an absolute CSF LD value of 40 U/l (86,3%) in the detection of bacterial meningitis was slightly lower than that of a CSF protein value of 1 g/l (87%) and better than the sensitivity of either a CSF/serum LD ratio of 0,1:1,0 (83,9%) or a CSF glucose level of 2,2 mmol/l (76,3%). As with conventional CSF chemistry, both investigations may give normal values in the presence of bacterial meningitis.
Description
CITATION: Donald, P. R. & Malan, C. 1986. Cerebrospinal fluid lactate and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. South African Medical Journal, 69:39-42.
The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.za
Keywords
Meningitis, Cerebrospinal fluid
Citation