Neuropediatrics 2001; 32(4): 176-182
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-17371
Original Article

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Cerebrospinal Fluid Markers in Children with Cerebral White Matter Abnormalities

R. Kristjánsdóttir1 , P. Uvebrant2 , A. Lekman3 , J.-E. Månsson3
  • 1 Department of Paediatrics, Örebro Medical Centre, Örebro, Sweden 2 Department of Paediatrics, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital SU/Östra, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden 3 Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Section of Experimental Neuroscience, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
25 September 2001 (online)

Disorders of the cerebral white matter in children constitute a heterogeneous group and the diagnostic work is often complicated. Clinical and radiological characteristics can provide diagnostic clues but there is a need for further diagnostic methods. This study focused on assessing neurochemical “markers” in the cerebrospinal fluid considered to reflect damage to white matter components such as myelin and glial cells as well as neurones with their axons and synapses. The aim was to evaluate whether they contributed to the elucidation of pathogenic processes and the direction of further diagnostic efforts. Seventeen of the 26 cases had increased levels of the glial cell marker ganglioside GD3, indicating gliosis, or of the CNS myelin marker sulfatide, indicating myelin disturbance. As signs of disturbed maturation or sustenance, the nerve cell markers GD1 b, GT1 b and total gangliosides were reduced, as was the synapse marker GD1a. Increased 5-HIAA indicated increased serotonergic turnover. Children with an increased level of the axonal marker Tau protein had a progressive disease whereas GD1a was reduced in the progressive group (n = 11). In contrast, GD3 and HVA were increased in the non-progressive group (n = 15). The chemical profiles were found to be useful, in combination with clinical and radiological findings, when investigating children with white matter abnormalities.

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Prof. Paul Uvebrant

Department of Paediatrics
The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital SU/Östra
Göteborg University

41685 Göteborg

Sweden

Email: paul.uvebrant@pediat.gu.se

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