Chloride levels in meningitis.
The blood/cerebrospinal fluid bromide ratio is sensitive and specific in the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Blood/CSF chloride (Cl-) ratios were not found to be useful in differentiating between TBM and viral and acute bacterial meningitis in 59 black children. In a study of 148 children with bacterial or viral meningitis or TBM, the majority (112) had CSF Cl- levels below the lower limit of normal. Accordingly, CSF and blood Cl- levels and the blood/CSF Cl- ratio were not found to be useful in differentiating between TBM, acute bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis.
Ramkissoon
A
A
Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Natal, Durban.
Coovadia
H M
HM
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002712:Chlorides / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008581:Meningitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008587:Meningitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014390:Tuberculosis, Meningeal / Q000175:diagnosis*
D002712:Chlorides