Changes in cell and protein content of cerebrospinal fluid in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
van den Berg, H.; Gerritsen, E.J.; Haraldsson, A.; Vossen, J.M.
Bone Marrow Transplantation 12(6): 615-619
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0268-3369 PMID: 8136745 Document Number: 410131
The material from 59 and 134 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, taken in the week prior to grafting and during the first 100 days after grafting respectively, were examined from 37 children undergoing allogeneic BMT. All CSF samples were obtained from lumbar punctures performed for regular administration of methotrexate (MTX). Prior to bone marrow transplantation (BMT) the increased protein levels and increased cell numbers noted in two children were probably caused by arachnoiditis from MTX administration 5 days earlier. After BMT, cell numbers increased in 54% of children and in 27% of children increased protein levels were found in the CSF. No correlation with clinical findings including neurological findings, infections and prior intrathecal MTX administration was found. The CSF changes observed are probably induced by the conditioning regimen (i.e. cyclophosphamide and total body irradiation). We conclude that the normal ranges for CSF components seen in healthy individuals do not apply in BMT recipients during the first 100 days after grafting.