CSF Cell Count Research Articles

Exploring seizure characteristics in individuals with autoimmune encephalitis: A comprehensive retrospective study in a low-middle-income country setting

IntroductionSeizures and epilepsy are well-documented in association with autoimmune encephalitis. Despite this, a notable gap exists in understanding the persistence of seizures beyond the acute phase, particularly within the context of low- and low-middle-income settings. ObjectiveTo evaluate the frequency, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and potential factors associated with the occurrence and persistence of seizures in autoimmune encephalitis patients. MethodsThis was a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Patients diagnosed with possible, probable or confirmed autoimmune encephalitis according to the Graus criteria at the “Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Neurológicas” in Lima, Peru, were included between January 2018 and April 2023. Demographic, clinical, diagnosis, and management information was recorded. A bivariate analysis was performed considering the persistence of seizures at one-year follow-up and a second analysis was performed to compare the groups according to the anti N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibody results. ResultsSixty patients predominantly male (40; 66.7 %) were included. Only 36 (60 %) patients were tested for antibodies, 16 (44.4 %) were NMDAR positive. 46 (76.7 %) patients had at least one seizure and 13 (37.1 %) had seizures after 1 year of follow-up. Patients with seizure relapse were younger, 20 (IQR: 18–28) versus 29.5 years (IQR: 21–48), p=0.049. Four (44.4 %) patients with persistent seizures had positive NMDAR results. Similar sex distributions, no differences in seizure characteristics, and higher CSF cell count in the NMDAR-positive group were observed. Neuroimaging, EEG findings, and follow-up times were comparable between the groups. ConclusionsWe found a 37.1 % seizures rate after one year of follow-up, predominantly in younger patients.

Progression predictors of clinically isolated syndrome to multiple sclerosis: A prospective study in China

ObjectivesClinically isolated syndrome (CIS) is a preclinical phase of multiple sclerosis (MS). The progression rate of CIS to clinical definite MS (CDMS) varies significantly across different populations, and identifying predictors of progression is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to investigate predictors of progression from CIS to CDMS in a Chinese cohort. MethodsA single-center cohort study was conducted with newly diagnosed patients with CIS in China between 2018 and 2021. All patients underwent a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging, and laboratory tests. Follow-up assessments were conducted at regular intervals to monitor disease progression. Progression to CDMS was defined according to the 2017 McDonald criteria. Age, sex, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, number of patients with magnetic resonance imaging gadolinium-enhancing (Gd+) lesions, T2 lesions and Gd+ lesions count, CSF cell count, CSF total protein, CSF and serum neurofilament light chain (NfL), progranulin (PGRN) and Th17-related cytokines (IL-6, IL-17, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23 and TGF-β) were measured for association with risk of progression to CDMS. ResultsA total of 96 CIS patients were recruited in the study. During the at least 24 months follow-up period, 57 (59.38 %) CIS patients progressed to CDMS, while 39 (40.62 %) patients without progression remained stable as CIS. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age at onset (OR= 43.43, 95 % CI= 1.76–1071.68, p<0.021), higher CSF elevated protein (OR=58.64, 95 % CI=2.72–1264.51, p=0.009), higher CSF NfL levels (OR= 97.00, 95 % CI= 4.68–2012.99, p=0.003) and higher CSF IL-23 levels (OR= 412.02, 95 % CI=6.56–25869.60, p=0.004) were associated with high risk of progression to CDMS. ConclusionYounger age at onset, elevated CSF NfL, IL-23 and protein levels might be progression predictors of CIS to CDMS in Chinese population.

Lactate dehydrogenase-1 may play a key role in the brain energy disturbance caused by cryptococcal meningitis

BackgroundCryptococcal meningitis (CM) may affect the conversion of lactate to pyruvate in the brain, resulting in abnormal levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) throughout the brain. Lactate conversion to pyruvate is mainly caused by lactic dehydrogenase 1 (LDH1), which is composed of four LDHB subunits. However, the underlying mechanism of LDH1 in CM remains unclear. MethodsCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 17 patients was collected, including eight patients with non-infectious diseases of the central nervous system and nine patients with CM. Based on clinical data and laboratory reports, data regarding intracranial pressure, CSF white cell counts, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine deaminase, glucose, protein, and chloridion were collected. Meanwhile, LDH1, LDH5, lactate, pyruvate, and ATP levels were detected in CSF. Whereafter, the levels of lactate, pyruvate, ATP, and the amplitude and frequency of action potentials in the neurons with low expression of LDHB were explored. ResultsIntracranial pressure and white cell count in CSF were significantly increased in patients with CM. In patients with CM, the LDH1, pyruvate, and ATP levels in the CSF were significantly decreased, and the levels of lactate were found to be increased. Furthermore, pyruvate and ATP levels were decreased, while lactate was increased in the neurons with low expression of LDHB. The amplitude and frequency of APs in the neurons with low expression of LDHB were significantly decreased. ConclusionReduced levels of LDH1 in the brain of patients with CM may lead to increased lactate levels, decreased pyruvate and ATP levels, and negatively affect neuronal activity.

A Clinicopathological study of Guillain-Barrḗ Syndrome in a Tertiary Level Hospital

Background: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) stands out as the most prevalent autoimmune neurological disorder. This investigation involves a comparative analysis of clinical observations, neurophysiological assessments, and cerebrospinal fluid examination, outcomes among patients with GBS. Method: A retrospective review of medical records constituted the methodology for this study, spanning from July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. Sociodemographic traits, antecedent illnesses, clinical progression, laboratory results, therapeutic interventions, and ultimate outcomes were assessed and compared among the study participants. Results: The study encompassed 8 patients, with an average age of 42.75 years. Respiratory complications were evident in 87.5% of the patients. In CSF analysis, 62.50% exhibited a normal cell count, while 37.50% displayed an elevated count. Elevated CSF protein levels were observed in 50% of patients, with a corresponding 50% revealing normal CSF protein levels. Increased CSF protein was associated with delayed lumbar puncture, demyelinating nerve conduction study subtype, and sensory motor variant. Regarding treatment modalities, 37.5% received intravenous immunoglobulin, and 25% underwent plasma exchange therapy. The acute phase of the disease resulted in a 25% mortality rate among patients. Conclusion: Guillain-Barre syndrome manifests diverse clinical presentations and laboratory findings. Notably, a high cerebrospinal fluid cell count challenges the widely accepted Brighton criteria for GBS diagnosis. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the correlation between elevated CSF cell count and other factors influencing pathogenesis and outcomes in GBS patients. Bangladesh Crit Care J March 2024; 12 (1): 25-28

Cryopyrin-associated periodic fever syndrome (CAPS) presenting as early-onset dementia, lacking typical recurrent fever or skin rash: a case report

A 54-year-old man with a university degree was admitted to our hospital because of a two-year history of progressive dementia. He had familial sensorineural hearing loss and had been treated for epilepsy since his 30s. On admission, he showed severe dementia and parkinsonism without fever or skin rash. Systemic inflammation was evident, and the CSF cell count and IL-6 level were elevated to 53/μl and 307 ‍pg/ml, respectively. Brain MRI demonstrated diffuse brain atrophy. More detailed anamnesis revealed a history of rheumatoid arthritis in childhood and aseptic meningitis in his 20s. Genetic examination for autoinflammatory diseases demonstrated compound heterozygotic mutations in the NLRP3 gene, causing cryopyrin-associated periodic fever syndrome (CAPS). This case was atypical CAPS presenting as early-onset progressive dementia, without recurrent fever or urticaria-like eruption which are usually seen in this disease.

Clinico-demographic Profile of Childhood Encephalitis: A Hospital based Study

Introduction: Childhood encephalitis have numerous etiologies, varied presentations and wide outcome ranges, varying from complete recovery to devastating neurological sequele and death. During 2016 nationwide, 11,651 case and 1301 deaths were reported to the National Vector Borne Diseases Control Programme (NVBDCP), with a case fatality rate (CFR) of around 11%. It is a major health problem in the state of Uttar Pradesh, several districts have been experiencing recurrent episodes of encephalitis with different magnitudes. Under this backdrop, the present study was undertaken to know the clinical profile of children admitted with encephalitis. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics , Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences over a period of 13 months (from January 2021 to February 2022). Total 74 cases of AES were included in this study. This was a prospective, observational, hospital based study. We collected relevant data of the encephalitis cases, analyzed and interpreted accordingly. Results: In the present study, total 74 cases of AES were admitted in pediatrics department during the study period. Out of 84 AES patients, majority 45.9% were between one month to five years of age. Male were 59.5% and female cases were 40.5%. The common presenting clinical manifestations were fever with altered sensorium (100%) and seizures in 100% cases. Most common nerve involved was optic nerve in 81% of the cases. Signs of raised ICP was seen in 35.1% of the cases. Laboratory report, CSF analysis revealed 45.9% patients had normal CSF cell count, 51.3% of the patients had normal protein levels. 62.2% had clinical features for 3 to 7 days prior to presentation. 43.2% patients had altered mental status between 0 to 24 hours prior to admission. About 67.6% patients had GCS &lt;8 and required intubation. CT scan head was performed in 13.5% cases and was abnormal in 40% cases. MRI Brain was done in 29.7% cases and most common area involved was thalamus in 36.4% cases. Conclusion: The common clinical features in childhood encephalitis are fever, altered sensorium and seizures, that was seen in 100% of the cases. CSF cell count was found to be normal and abnormal in almost equal number of cases.

African American patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have higher proportions of CD19+ and CD20+ B-cell lineage cells in their cerebrospinal fluid than White MS patients

ObjectivesTo compare proportions of B-cell lineage CD19+ and CD20+ cells in CSF of African-American (AA) and White (W) patients with MS. BackgroundAA MS patients are more likely to have oligoclonal bands in CSF, higher IgG index in CSF, and higher circulating plasmablasts in blood than W MS patients. It is unknown whether the proportion of B-cells in CSF differs between AA and W patients in MS. MethodsDemographics, disease-related information, treatment history were retrospectively collected on patients with MS who self-identified as AA or W and underwent flow cytometry of CSF during diagnostic work-up. Proportion of B-lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes, NK cells, monocytes, and plasma cells were analyzed with flow cytometry. Results20 AA and 56 W MS patients fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The groups had similar demographics, CSF cell counts, protein and glucose CSF concentrations, and oligoclonal band number. IgG index was higher in AA compared to W (1.08 vs. 0.85, p = 0.031). AA had higher proportions of CD19+ (5.46 % AA vs. 2.26 % W, p = 0.006) and CD20+ (4.64 % AA vs. 1.91 % W, p = 0.004) cells but did not significantly differ in proportion of CD4+, CD8+, CD38+ bright B-cells, NK cells and monocytes. ConclusionsB-cells are overrepresented in the CSF of African American patients with MS relative to Whites.

Clinical profile and outcome of acute febrile encephalopathy in children

Background: This prospective observational study aims at studying clinical profile of patients with acute febrile encephalopathy. Methods: This study was conducted in patients of acute febrile encephalopathy admitted in PICU at tertiary care centre during November 2019 to May 2021 in age group one month to 18 years. 35 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Results: 51.4% children belonged to age group less than 60 months and 40% children belonged to age group 61-120 months. Other than fever and altered sensorium (diagnostic criteria), seizures (74.3%), vomiting (60%), headache (22.9%) and refusal to feed (17.1%), were the major complaints. Raised ICT was found in 20 (57.1%). 20 (57.1%) patients had hyponatremia (Na+ &lt;135). MRI brain abnormalities were found in 13 patients with majority finding being edema 8 (61.5%). 15 (62.5 %) patients had CSF cell count between 5-100/µl. 16 (45.7%) children presented with GCS score 10-12. In the present study, most common diagnosis was rickettsia encephalitis in 10 patients (28.6%) followed by Dengue encephalitis 6 (17.1%) and probable Viral encephalitis 6 (17.1%). There was no mortality in the present study. Conclusions: Seizure, headache and vomiting were the other common presenting features in a case of acute febrile encephalopathy. This indicates raised intracranial tension. Rickettsia followed by Dengue and probable Viral encephalitis were the common etiological diagnosis. Many cases are viral in nature and since no particular or highly effective therapy is available, early diagnosis, emergent treatment of raised intracranial pressure and hyponatremia and implementation of aggressive supportive care may reduce mortality and morbidity as in present study.

CLINICAL AND PARACLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CRYPTOCOCCAL MENINGITIS IN NON HIV INFECTED PATIENTS

Objectives: Describe clinical features and paraclinical characteristics in 45 patients of Cryptococcal meningitis who were not HIV infected at National Hospital of Tropical Diseases - Giaiphong and Center for Tropical Diseases - Bachmai Hospital. &#x0D; Subjects and methods: including patients aged 16 years or older diagnosed with Cryptococcal meningitis who were not HIV - infected treated at National Hospital of Tropical Diseases - Giaiphong and Center for Tropical Diseases - Bachmai Hospital from 1/2015 to 06/2020. Descriptive and retrospective and prospective cross - sectional study.&#x0D; Results: 53.3 % (24/45) were males, the mean age of the study patients was 48.9 ± 14.6 years, ranging from 21 to 79 years. The patients have comorbidities, the most common underlying disease was hepatitis and hematologic diseases 11.1%, renal diseases 8.9%, hypertension 8.9%, duration from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis 19.0 ± 15.8 days. The headache was the most common 95.6%, followed by fever 84.4%, stiff neck 80%, nausea/vomiting 62.2%, visual disturbance 13.3%, focal paralysis 8.9%. The mean protein in CSF was 1.22g/l, the mean cell count in CSF was 342/mm3. 67.4% patients had a positive culture result and 65.1% had a positive ink stainin for C. neoformans in CSF. 5.1% patients had a positive blood culture result for C. neoformans. The mean CD4 was 316.4 ± 196.0 cells/μL.

CSF Findings in Relation to Clinical Characteristics, Subtype, and Disease Course in Patients With Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

To investigate CSF findings in relation to clinical and electrodiagnostic subtypes, severity, and outcome of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) based on 1,500 patients in the International GBS Outcome Study. Albuminocytologic dissociation (ACD) was defined as an increased protein level (>0.45 g/L) in the absence of elevated white cell count (<50 cells/μL). We excluded 124 (8%) patients because of other diagnoses, protocol violation, or insufficient data. The CSF was examined in 1,231 patients (89%). In 846 (70%) patients, CSF examination showed ACD, which increased with time from weakness onset: ≤4 days 57%, >4 days 84%. High CSF protein levels were associated with a demyelinating subtype, proximal or global muscle weakness, and a reduced likelihood of being able to run at week 2 (odds ratio [OR] 0.42, 95% CI 0.25-0.70; p = 0.001) and week 4 (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27-0.72; p = 0.001). Patients with the Miller Fisher syndrome, distal predominant weakness, and normal or equivocal nerve conduction studies were more likely to have lower CSF protein levels. CSF cell count was <5 cells/μL in 1,005 patients (83%), 5-49 cells/μL in 200 patients (16%), and ≥50 cells/μL in 13 patients (1%). ACD is a common finding in GBS, but normal protein levels do not exclude this diagnosis. High CSF protein level is associated with an early severe disease course and a demyelinating subtype. Elevated CSF cell count, rarely ≥50 cells/μL, is compatible with GBS after a thorough exclusion of alternative diagnoses. This study provides Class IV evidence that CSF ACD (defined by the Brighton Collaboration) is common in patients with GBS.

Clinico-Radiological Spectrum of Non-Compressive Myelopathies

Objective: To study the etiology and clinico-radiological profile of non-compressive myelopathies. Methods: 40 consecutive admissions of non-compressive myelopathy were studied for clinical and radiological profile. Statistical methods: Descriptive statistics, linear regression and independent t-test using SPSS 20. Results: Age of the studied population ranged from 2 years to 55 years with a median age of 32.35 years and male:female ratio of 2:1. 87.5% of cases had an acute to subacute presentation. Complete cord syndrome was the most common presentation followed by anterior cord syndrome, central cord syndrome and mixed pattern. LETM was seen in nearly two-thirds of cases. Lesions involving more than two-thirds of the cross section of spinal cord were seen in more than 60% of cases, thereby accounting for significant disability at onset. Most of the lesions were hyperintense on T2 and STIR images and isointense on T1 with only 18.91% showing contrast enhancement. Optic neuritis was recorded with an overall prevalence of 28.26%. EDSS at presentation varied among the subgroups with ADEM, NMOSD and LETM form of ITM having EDSS scores of 9.5,8.0 and 7.5 respectively whereas in MS and Non-LETM form of ITM, EDSS score was 4.0 and 2.5 respectively. Conclusion: Demyelinating disorders contribute to nearly 80% cases of non-compressive myelopathies with NMOSD being the most common pathology. CSF cell count, cross-sectional involvement of spinal cord, pattern of myelitis and aquaporin-4 seropositivity were found to be predictive of the severity at onset i.e., EDSS at presentation with the initial 3 factors also showing predictability of EDSS at last visit.

Incidence and outcome of patients suffering from meningitis due to spondylodiscitis

IntroductionMeningitis is a rare but severe complication in patients with spondylodiscitis. Data about the incidence and clinical management are rare. Research questionAim of this study was to assess the incidence, clinical course and outcome of patients suffering from meningitis due to spondylodiscitis. Material and methodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of our prospective clinical database that included all patients suffering from spondylodiscitis between January 2010 and December 2019 were included. We assessed clinical findings, laboratory tests, treatment and outcome comparing patients with and without meningitis. ResultsOut of 469 patients suffering from spondylodiscitis, 30 patients (14 female) were diagnosed with an associated meningitis (6.4%). The mean CSF cell count was 3375.85 ± 8486.78/μl (range 32-41500/μl). The mean age at presentation was 70.87 ± 8.84 yrs (range 48-88 yrs). Mean C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) counts at time of admission were statistically higher in patients with associated meningitis (CRP: 19.81 ± 12.56 mg/dl vs. 11.63 ± 11.08 mg/dl, p = 0.001; WBC: 14.67 ± 7.76 g/l vs. 10.88 ± 05.11 g/l, p = 0.005. Mortality was also higher, as 13.3% and 7.1% of patients with and without concomitant meningitis died, respectively. ConclusionBacterial meningitis due to spondylodiscitis is a rare but severe condition and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. In patients with spondylodiscitis presenting with an altered state of consciousness an associated meningitis should be ruled out.

CTNI-02. PRECLINICAL DATA AND INITIAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE PHASE 1/2A DOSE ESCALATION TRIAL OF RHENIUM-186 NANOLIPOSOME (186RNL) IN LEPTOMENINGEAL METASTASES [LM]: THE RESPECT-LM TRIAL

Abstract INTRODUCTION Leptomeningeal metastases (LM) is a clinical complication that occurs when cancer cells invade the leptomeninges and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with malignant tumors. Once diagnosed, limited treatment options exist, and survival is poor. Rhenium-186 Nanoliposome (186RNL) is a liposomal encapsulated beta emitter with a short path length of 1.8 mm, thereby allowing high specific activity brachytherapy with limited exposure to surrounding tissues. METHODS Preclinical efficacy was assessed using C6-Luc glioma cells in Wistar rats or MDA-MB-231 in Athymic Nude Rats via intraventricular injection. At 15 days post inoculation the animals were treated with 0.69 mCi of 186RNL. Absorbed doses were assessed with gamma camera imaging at 0h, 24h, and 48h post-treatment. Tumor growth was assessed by luciferase bioluminescence. A multicenter phase 1/2a dose (3 + 3 design) escalation trial was then initiated with 186RNL in LM patients to determine the maximum feasible dose, overall response rate (ORR) and overall survival distribution. RESULTS A significant difference in survival between the control and treatment groups (n = 8 each) was observed in the C6/Wistar model at 2 weeks post treatment, with 50% survival in the control group and 100% survival in the treatment group (p = 0.0087). Similar efficacy was observed in the MDA-MB-236/Athymic model. Thus far two patients have received 186RNL with 6.6 mCi in 5ml via Ommaya reservoir. Post treatment imaging shows full CSF distribution by 4 hours and persistence of activity through 7 days following administration. The dose was well-tolerated with no related AEs through day 56 following treatment. CSF cell count by BioCept analysis was reduced by &amp;gt; 90% with durability through day 28. CONCLUSION Intraventricular delivered 186RNL is promising for treatment of LM, with very early evidence of efficacy in patients. Enrollment is ongoing.

Risk Factors for CSF/Plasma HIV-1 RNA Discordance in HIV-Infected Patients.

Few large investigations have evaluated the association of cerebrospinal fluid/plasma (CSF/plasma) discordance with opportunistic neurological infections. We aimed to determine risk factors for CSF/plasma discordance to further assess whether CSF/plasma discordance is associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and opportunistic neurological infections. A retrospective study was conducted based on HIV RNA viral load and associated risk factors in plasma and CSF samples from 491 HIV-infected patients. HIV RNA levels higher in CSF compared with plasma was defined as CSF/plasma discordance. In this study, the rate of CSF/plasma discordance was 18.3%. We observed that headache, cryptococcal antigen, CSF cell count, Treponema pallidum particle assay positivity, and ART use were significantly associated with CSF/plasma discordance in the multivariate logistic regression model. The CSF RNA/plasma RNA ratio was significantly higher in HIV-infected patients with neurological infections than in HIV-infected cases without neurological infections (P < 0.001). CSF/plasma discordance was significantly different between HIV-infected patients without central nervous system (CNS) infection and those with CNS infection, tuberculous meningitis, cryptococcal meningitis, and neurosyphilis (P < 0.05). ART and CNS inflammation may influence CSF/plasma discordance.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Changes and Clinical Features of Neurosyphilis Compared with Latent Syphilis Infection in the Central Nervous System: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PurposeAt present, there is no gold standard or unified standard for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis, and the rate of misdiagnosis is high. The diagnosis of neurosyphilis is still challenging. This study compared the clinical indicators between neurosyphilis and latent syphilis infection in the central nervous system. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence for the differential diagnosis and prognosis of patients with neurosyphilis and latent syphilis infection of the central nervous system.MethodsThe clinical data of 59 patients with neurosyphilis and 30 patients with latent syphilis infection in the nervous system from 2008 to 2021 were analyzed. The cerebrospinal fluid and serum biochemical markers were evaluated for all patients.ResultsCSF-nucleated cells, CSF-TRUST, CSF-totalprotein and CSF-IgG (P<0.001) were significantly different between neurosyphilis and latent syphilis infection in the central nervous system. CSF-TRUST titer was positively correlated with D-D concentration (r = 0.274, P < 0.05), sodion (r =0.251, P < 0.05), respectively. Glucose concentration is the most unreliable in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis (AUC=0.445, P=0.395), and TRUST combined with nucleated cells and total protein is the most accurate in the diagnosis of neurosyphilis (AUC=0.989, P<0.001).ConclusionThe combination of TRUST, nucleated cell count and totalprotein detection in CSF can distinguish the patients with neurosyphilis and latent syphilis infection in the central nervous system, which has a significant diagnostic value.

Tuberculous myelitis: a prospective follow-up study.

BackgroundProspective studies regarding tuberculous myelitis are lacking. We aimed to prospectively evaluate patients with tuberculous myelitis to identify the features that distinguish tuberculous myelitis from other myelitis.MethodsThis was a prospective study. Patients presenting with paraparesis/quadriparesis, and MRI showing myelitis were included. All patients were subjected to clinical, neuroimaging, and laboratory evaluation. Diagnosis of definite tuberculous myelitis was made if GeneXpert test in CSF was positive. Probable tuberculous myelitis was diagnosed if there was evidence of tuberculosis elsewhere in the body. Patients were treated with methylprednisolone and antituberculosis treatment. Patients were followed for 6 months. We compared the clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging parameters and response to treatment of tuberculous myelitis with other myelitis. P values were adjusted using the Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) procedure to control false discovery rate.ResultsWe enrolled 52 patients. Eighteen (34.6%) patients had tuberculous myelitis. Headache (P = 0.018) was significantly more common in tuberculous myelitis. The CSF protein (P < 0.001), and CSF cell count (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in tuberculous myelitis. On neuroimaging, a LETM was common in tuberculous myelitis. Spinal meningeal enhancement (14; 77.8%), extra-axial collection, and CSF loculation (6; 33.4%), arachnoiditis (3;16.7%), and concomitant spinal tuberculoma (2;11.1%) were other common imaging features of tuberculous myelitis. Tuberculous myelitis patients showed a better response (P = 0.025) to treatment.ConclusionTuberculous myelitis was seen in approximately 35% of all myelitis cases, in a high tuberculosis endemic zone. Headache, markedly elevated CSF protein and spinal meningeal enhancement were distinguishing features. Tuberculous myelitis patients responded well to corticosteroids.

Accuracy of Automated Analyzers for the Estimation of CSF Cell Counts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (P18-2.001)

Accuracy of Automated Analyzers for the Estimation of CSF Cell Counts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (P18-2.001)

Clinical, serological and genetic predictors of response to immunotherapy in anti-IgLON5 disease.

Anti-IgLON5 disease is a newly defined clinical entity characterized by a progressive course with high disability and mortality rate. While precise pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear, features characteristic of both autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases were reported. Data on immunotherapy are limited, and its efficacy remains controversial. In this study, we retrospectively investigated an anti-IgLON5 disease cohort with special focus on clinical, serological and genetic predictors of the immunotherapy response and long-term outcome. Patients were recruited from the GENERATE (German Network for Research on Autoimmune Encephalitis) registry. Along with clinical parameters, anti-IgLON5 immunoglobulin (Ig)G in serum and CSF, anti-IgLON5 IgG1-4, IgA and IgM in serum, neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein in serum as well as human leukocyte antigen-genotypes were determined. We identified 53 patients (symptom onset 63.8 ± 10.3 years, female:male 1:1.5). The most frequent initial clinical presentations were bulbar syndrome, hyperkinetic syndrome or isolated sleep disorder [at least one symptom present in 38% (20/53)]. At the time of diagnosis, the majority of patients had a generalized multi-systemic phenotype; nevertheless, 21% (11/53) still had an isolated brainstem syndrome and/or a characteristic sleep disorder only. About one third of patients [28% (15/53)] reported subacute disease onset and 51% (27/53) relapse-like exacerbations during the disease course. Inflammatory CSF changes were evident in 37% (19/51) and increased blood-CSF-barrier permeability in 46% (21/46). CSF cell count significantly decreased, while serum anti-IgLON5 IgG titre increased with disease duration. The presence of human leukocyte antigen-DRB1*10:01 [55% (24/44)] was associated with higher serum anti-IgLON5 IgG titres. Neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein in serum were substantially increased (71.1 ± 103.9 pg/ml and 126.7 ± 73.3 pg/ml, respectively). First-line immunotherapy of relapse-like acute-to-subacute exacerbation episodes resulted in improvement in 41% (11/27) of patients and early initiation within the first 6 weeks was a predictor for therapy response. Sixty-eight per cent (36/53) of patients were treated with long-term immunotherapy and 75% (27/36) of these experienced no further disease progression (observation period of 20.2 ± 15.4 months). Long-term immunotherapy initiation during the first year after onset and low pre-treatment neurofilament light chain were significant predictors for a better outcome. In conclusion, subacute disease onset and early inflammatory CSF changes support the primary role of autoimmune mechanisms at least at initial stages of anti-IgLON5 disease. Early immunotherapy, prior to advanced neurodegeneration, is associated with a better long-term clinical outcome. Low serum neurofilament light chain at treatment initiation may serve as a potential biomarker of the immunotherapy response.

Diagnostic criteria of CNS infection in patients with external ventricular drainage after traumatic brain injury: a pilot study.

Ventriculostomy-related infection (VRI) is a common complication in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) treated with an external ventricular drain (EVD). The aim of this study was to investigate incidence and characteristics of patients with VRI, and to explore diagnostic criteria to confidently rule out VRI in patients with TBI. This retrospective cohort pilot study included adults with severe TBI who were admitted to the ICU and received an EVD, during a 26-month period. Patients were categorized as having Culture-positive VRI, Culture-negative VRI, or No VRI. Variables that were potentially associated with Culture-positive VRI was analyzed, and predictive values were calculated. 75 of 215 patients with severe TBI (35%) underwent EVD placement; nine of these (12%) were classified as Culture-negative VRI and eight (11%) as Culture-positive VRI. The CSF cell counts that led to VRI treatment were compared with 46 CSF cell counts from No VRI patients. A CSF/plasma glucose ratio below 0.6had a negative predictive value (NPV) for culture-verified VRI of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.85-1), whereas a combination of three CSF-derived biomarkers within the reference limits (white/red blood cell ratio, CSF/plasma glucose ratio, and protein content) ruled out Culture-positive VRI in this cohort (PPV 0, 95% CI: 0-0.14). C-reactive protein did not reliably predict VRI. In this pilot study of patients after severe, a combination of biomarkers within reference limits ruled out VRI (PPV 0, CI: 0-0.14). Hypoglycorrhachia was a sensitive marker of VRI (NPV 0.97, CI: 0.85-1). Systemic signs and markers of infection did not predict VRI.

103. An Association Between Abnormal CSF Analysis and Inpatient Mortality in Cryptococcal Meningitis, a Tertiary Care Center Experience

Abstract Background Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and management. With high morbidity in mind, we elected to compare the key CSF analysis, blood culture and serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) to prognosticate the probability of mortality in this population. Table 1. Comparison of demographics, serum and CSF analysis Methods We retrospectively reviewed all charts of patients admitted to our tertiary care center from 10/2005 to 10/2017. Inclusion criteria encompassed patients with positive CSF CrAg, positive CSF cultures, India ink, cytopathology, or CSF cell count &amp;gt;5 with CNS symptoms, positive serum CrAg titer or blood cultures. Results Sixty patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into the survivor (n=41) and the non-survivor (n=19) groups based on the inpatient mortality. There was no difference in age, sex, and immune status between the two groups. The median CSF nucleated cell counts in the non-survivor group was 39 cells/µL with median lymphocyte 59.5% whereas in the survivor group was 72 cells/µL with median lymphocyte 76% (P&amp;lt; 0.001 and 0.04 respectively). The median CSF glucose was 27 mg/ml in the non-survivor compared to 35 mg/ml in the survivor group (P=0.02). Median CSF CrAg was higher at 1:1024 in the non-survivor group whereas the survivor group was 1:256 (P &amp;lt; 0.01). CSF opening pressure (cm H2O), blood culture, and serum CrAg level were not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion Low CSF cell count, low glucose, and high CSF CrAg were independently associated with inpatient mortality in CM. This is in line with the prior findings. A novel finding in this study is significantly decreased median CSF lymphocyte % in the non-survivor group. Serum CrAg titer, positive blood cultures, and median CSF protein were not statistically significant between the two groups. However, a study with a larger sample size may be needed to confirm these findings. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures