Measurement of cerebrospinal fluid protein is unnecessary in children with leukemia

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2008 Sep;51(3):428-30. doi: 10.1002/pbc.21586.

Abstract

To determine the incidence and importance of abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein in children with acute leukemia, we performed a retrospective chart review. On 160 pediatric patients a total of 2,172 LPs were performed (median per patient = 15; range 1-38). Overall, 314 (14%) of CSF protein measurements were abnormal: 141 (7%) were abnormally low (<15 mg/dL) and 158 (7%) were abnormally high (>45 mg/dL). In no case did an abnormal CSF protein impact patient management. We conclude that routine measurement of CSF protein is not indicated in children with acute leukemia.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins / analysis*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Leukemia
  • Male
  • Medical Futility*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spinal Puncture

Substances

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins