Point-of-care detection of lactate in cerebrospinal fluid

Abstract Purpose Measurements of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate can aid in detecting infections the central nervous system and surrounding structures. Neurosurgical patients with temporary lumbar or ventricular CSF drainage harbor an increased risk for developing system, which require immediate therapeutic responses. Since blood gas analyzers enable rapid blood-lactate measurements, we were interested finding out if reliably measure CSF-lactate by this point-of-care technique. Methods on our intensive care unit (ICU) either external due to a variety reasons included prospective observational study. Standard measurements leucocyte counts, total protein neurochemical laboratory University Medical Center twice week. With respect study, additionally performed nearly daily determine reliability measured as compared standard certified device. Results 62 We 514 180 these in-house measurements. Both techniques correlated highly significantly (Pearson correlation index 0.94) even though lacking full concordance Bland–Altman plotting. Of particular importance, regular enabled detection infection three who had developed meningitis during course their treatment. Conclusion Blood sufficient help timely meningitis. In addition triggering established diagnostics, may improve surveillance drainage. This study was retrospectively registered April 20th 2020 German trial register. The registration number is DRKS00021466.