Excitatory amino acid concentrations in ventricular cerebrospinal fluid after severe traumatic brain injury in infants and children: the role of child abuse

摘要: Background: Excitotoxicity is an important mechanism in secondary neuronal injury after traumatic brain (TBI). Excitatory amino acids (EAAs) are increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) adults TBI; however, studies pediatric head trauma lacking. We hypothesized that CSF glutamate, aspartate, and glycine would be TBI children these increases associated with age, child abuse, poor outcome, cerebral ischemia. Methods: EAAs were measured 66 samples from 18 severe TBI. Control obtained 19 who received lumbar punctures to rule out meningitis. Results: Peak mean peak glutamate levels versus control values. Subgroups of patients compared by using univariate regression analysis. Massive found <4 years old abuse victims. Increased outcome. A trend toward association between high concentration ischemic blood flow was observed. Conclusions: infants Young age extremely concentrations possible role for excitotoxicity supported. (J Pediatr 2001;138:18-25)