Measurement of cerebrospinal fluid protein is unnecessary in children with leukemia

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.