CSF Protein What to

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein levels can provide valuable information about the state of the central nervous system (CNS) and help diagnose various neurological conditions. CSF is a clear liquid that circulates through the ventricles and subarachnoid space of the brain and spinal cord. Measuring protein levels in CSF can detect abnormalities in the blood-brain barrier, infections, inflammatory diseases, tumors, and other CNS disorders.

When interpreting CSF protein results, it's important to consider the reference ranges established by laboratories, as they may vary slightly.

Total Protein:

- Normal range: 15 to 45 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)

- Elevated levels can indicate:

- Infections, such as meningitis and encephalitis

- Multiple sclerosis

- Guillain-Barré syndrome

- Subarachnoid hemorrhage

- CNS tumors

- Decreased levels may suggest:

- Conditions affecting protein synthesis in the CNS

Albumin:

- Normal range: 10 to 30 mg/dL

- Elevated levels can indicate:

- Blood-brain barrier dysfunction

- Inflammatory conditions

- Decreased levels may suggest:

- Severe liver disease

- Malnutrition

- Nephrotic syndrome

Immunoglobulins:

- Normal range:

- IgG: 2 to 8 mg/dL

- IgA: <2 mg/dL

- IgM: <2 mg/dL

- Elevated levels of specific immunoglobulins can indicate various neurological conditions, including:

- Multiple sclerosis

- Neuromyelitis optica

- CNS infections

- Autoimmune disorders

Oligoclonal Bands:

- Presence of oligoclonal bands (unique banding patterns in CSF proteins) can suggest intrathecal antibody production and may be associated with:

- Multiple sclerosis

- CNS infections

- Paraneoplastic syndromes

Interpretation of CSF protein results should be done in conjunction with other clinical findings, neurological examinations, imaging studies, and laboratory tests.