MYELIN BASIC PROTEIN (mbp) IN THE CSF OF NEWBORNS

Abstract

QUESTIONS: 1. Is mbp present in the CSF of ill newborns of any gestational age having experienced perinatal hypoxia, intracranial hemorrhage, convulsions, apnea, hypoglycemia, meningitis or any combination of these events; 2. Are mbp-positivity or negativity of prognostic value for psychomotor development;

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A spinal tap was performed in 115 newborns at latest 120 hours after the above mentioned events as part of septic workup. Mbp was determined by radioimmunoassay (mbp-positivity: 1 ng/ml CSF). 25 babies died. 58 of the 90 survivors had neurological evaluation and the Denver developmental test performed at a mean age of 24 (10-35) months.

RESULTS: Mbp was found in 41 of 115 newborns (36 %). Psychomotor outcome

ANSWERS: 1. Mbp is found in the CSF of 36 % of newborns after the mentioned clinical events. 2. In our patients, mbp-positivity indicates a 1:1 chance to develop normally, negativity a chance of 4:1.

CONCLUSION: Mbp-determination in CSF may be of additional help in cases where evaluation of prognosis is indispensable in the neonatal period.

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