Semi quantitative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid chemistry and cellularity using urinary reagent strip in CNS infections

DR. DEEPTI SHARMA; DR. INDRAJEET URADIYA

Volume : VIII, Issue : VII, July - 2019

Semi quantitative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid chemistry and cellularity using urinary reagent strip in CNS infections

Dr. Deepti Sharma, Dr. Indrajeet Uradiya

Abstract :

Introduction: – Rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment remains the cornerstone of management of patients with various CNS infections. Aim: – The aim of this study is to evaluate role and reliability of urinary reagent strip for the semi quantitative analysis of CSF chemistry and cellularity. Methods: This prospective, single blinded diagnostical clinical trial was conducted over hundred patients, aged ≥18 years admitted in our hospital with suspected diagnosis of CNS infection. CSF samples were taken for laboratory evaluation and rapid strip analysis. Results: Highly significant association was observed between CSF examination in routine laboratory method and dipstick method. The strip showed a high sensitivity (94%) and specificity (98.5%) for leukocytes ≥10 cells/mm3. The strip showed a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 98.5% for proteins at a cut–off ≥100 mg/dl. With respect to glucose, the strip had 100% specificity and 98.5% sensitive at cut–off ≥50 mg/dl. The Accuracy for leukocytes ≥10 cells/mm3 was 97.00%; for proteins ≥100 mg/dl, it was 97%; and, for glucose ≥50 mg/dl, it was 99.00%. Conclusions: Urinary reagent strips can reliably predict raised CSF protein (>100 mg/dl), decreased glucose (<50 mg/dl) and increased Neutrophils count (>10/mm3). Urinary reagent strips test is easy to do and would be of particular value in resource limited remote areas where no laboratory facilities exist