The clinical value of B waves in the cerebrospinal fluid pressure curve during the lumbar infusion test of patients with hydrocephalus
Czepko, R.
Przeglad Lekarski 56(9): 568-575
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-2240 PMID: 10695361 Document Number: 499130
There are still many problems in the selection of hydrocephalic patients for the shunt treatment. Many investigations focus to find out a new and reliable prognostic factors including the parameters of lumbar infusion test (LIT). The aim of this study is to evaluate the B waves observed during the LIT, and to assess the prognostic value of the B waves in hydrocephalic patients. 153 patients with communicating hydrocephalus (ventricular index > or = 0.8) were assessed by means of the LIT. B waves were detected in 70 patients (45.8%). Primary assessment was verified by the Fourier analysis. The relationship was analysed between B waves and the resistance to outflow (R), new steady state pressure (Pns) and the standard deviation of the Pns (SDPns). The results of treatment depending on the presence of B waves were assessed in 95 shunted patients (two categories: improved/not improved). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistically 5.1 for Windows. Chi square test, Mann Whitney U-test, and the Student T test were applied (p < 0.05). There was statistically significant relationship between B waves and the increasing values of R (p = 0.0002), Pns (p = 0.0002) and SDPns (p = 0.0000). Positive prognostic value of the B waves was found in the group of 95 shunted patients (p = 0.0152). 1. B waves during LIT appear significantly more often in patients with increasing compensation impairment. 2. B waves detected in LIT have a good prognostic value in hydro-cephalic patients.