Acute meningitis prognosis using cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 levels.

Background: Improved diagnostic tests would aid in diagnosing and treating community-acquired meningitis.

Objective: To analyze the diagnostic value of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients presenting with symptoms of acute meningitis.

Material And Methods: In a 6-month prospective, observational, cross-sectional emergency department (ED) study, serum and CSF samples were obtained from all patients with a headache and fever in whom the physician suspected meningitis.

Lactic dehydrogenase in cerebrospinal fluid may differentiate between structural and non-structural central nervous system lesions in patients with diminished levels of consciousness.

Background: Impaired consciousness without a history of trauma is a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits. Among critically ill patients with a history and physical findings suggestive of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), it may be difficult to differentiate between a structural and a non-structural cause for their condition.

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine if lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with acute non-traumatic neurological disorders could distinguish between structural and non-structural etiologies.