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Beta‐trace protein as sensitive marker for CSF rhinorhea and CSF otorhea
Author(s) -
Reiber H.,
Walther K.,
Althaus H.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0404.2003.00173.x
Subject(s) - cerebrospinal fluid , chemistry , beta (programming language) , csf albumin , medicine , endocrinology , computer science , programming language
Objective – Beta‐trace protein concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum and nasal secretions are investigated with a new quantitative, immunonephelometric assay. Results – The mean beta‐trace concentration of normal lumbar CSF (18.4 mg/l) and normal serum (0.59 mg/l), from n = 132 control patients, were 10% higher than reported earlier for smaller control groups. The reference range of beta‐trace protein in nasal secretions is very low (median: 0.016 mg/l, range <0.003–0.12 mg/l, for n = 29 controls). Clinically confirmed cases of CSF rhinorhea ( n = 20) showed beta‐trace concentrations between 0.36 and 53.6 mg/l, with a median of 2.4 mg/l. We propose a cut‐off value of 0.35 mg/l above which a CSF contamination in the secretion is plausible. A clinically confirmed CSF otorhea had a value of 1.75 mg/l. Conclusion – This new beta‐trace protein assay offers a fast, sensitive and reliable routine method to detect a CSF rhinorhea or otorhea.