Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis In Multiple Sclerosis

In the spring of 1993 a meeting of the European Charcot Foundation was held in Bari as it was quite clear that there was a renaissance of Italian interest in cerebro spinal fluid. Two of the influential figures with a long-standing commitment to this field were Professor Paolo Livrea and Dr. Maria Trojano. At this meeting we con sidered the possibility of collecting together the various papers which had been presented, however the idea evolved further to the present volume, which incor porates a broader view. This starts with the anatomical approach, including neuro pathology, CSF cells and MRI correlations. It also includes virology, physiology of the blood-CSF barrier and the immunology of intrathecal responses. It further con siders the relevance of the CSF parameters to therapy. Finally, the importance of quality assurance and handling of the precious fluid is discussed. The original plan was to have the book published in Italian, but we are grateful to the publishers for allowing English text, in order to have a wider, international audience. As is fate of any book, interest in this area has been accelerated considerably; nevertheless we hope this provides a summary from a multi-disciplinary point of view. From a pu rely personal point of view, it certainly reflects the warmth of feeling which was evident at the meeting, and which led to the toast "Arrivederci, Bari". E. J.

The analysis of the protein content of the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is a central tool in the diagnosis of a number of diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis and Encephalitis. Proteins of the Cerebrospinal Fluid is a complete revision of the first edition published 16 years ago and reflects the advances in the field in that period. Containing the most comprehensive reference list available today with over 1300 references cross-indexed according to topics, it also includes many classical works that cannot be easily found through the public literature database (like PubMed). This book covers new areas of research such as the use of the analysis of protein content in the CSF to guide the prognosis of patients with severe head injury and/or stroke (currently being tested using technology which can be applied at the bedside to yield results within 15 minutes). With many new or completely revised illustrations, this book serves as not only a reference on the topic, but also a lab manual for bench work with recipes, and a clinical reference on individual diseases. Introduces the Eastern blotting, the technique considered the "gold standard" by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the demonstration of IgG by immunofixation following isoelectric focusing Provides numerous tables for ease-of-use Extensively cross-referenced with over 1300 references

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an invaluable diagnostic tool in clinical neurology, not only in the evaluation of inflammatory, degenerative, and malignant diseases of the nervous system, but also in the diagnosis of all forms of cerebral and subarachnoidal bleedings. The CSF can be easily obtained by lumbar puncture and a set of basic analyses can be conducted using relatively simple laboratory methods. By combining different CSF parameters, a wide range of diagnostic entities can be identified. However, properly interpreting the test results requires a high level of expertise and cannot be achieved by just reporting on individual analytic values. This book covers essential aspects of cerebrospinal fluid analysis and its use in the diagnosis of common neurological diseases. The first part addresses preclinical aspects such as the history of CSF, as well as the anatomical, physiological, and biological background of this valuable fluid. In addition, CSF collection, its preanalytical and methodological implications, and the increasing number of disease-specific markers in CSF are discussed in detail. Lastly, CSF analyses are put into context with clinical syndromes, demonstrating their diagnostic value in neurological clinical practice. Cerebrospinal Fluid in Clinical Neurology helps readers understand the preanalytical and analytical aspects of CSF diagnostics and offers a valuable reference guide for interpreting CSF results during the clinical work-up for neurological patients.

The value of prospective long-term studies on the features and course of multiple sclerosis is determined by the reliability with which relevant infor mation is documented. This involves two basic problems: I) The docu mentation system used must be detailed enough to provide adequate data on the essential features and course of the disease in a given case; on the other hand, it must not be so complicated and cumbersome as to preclude its use in the routine care of MS patients. 2) Since no system can fully anticipate new problems and scientific approaches that may become impor tant at some future time, the system must be open to provide the possi bility of adding and correlating the data of special research studies with the . basic data. These considerations led to the development of the basic documentation system described here and employed for the analysis of clinical data in this monograph. The work was carried out with the help of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinscha/t as a part of its research program on multiple sclerosis and related demyelinating disease. A basic documentation pool including the data of more than 2 000 patients has been accumulated in the last six years. The system has been put to practical use in a number of epidemiologic surveys completed or under way, in following up the cases in an epidemiologic observation area in South Lower Saxony, and in studies on spasticity, cerebrospinal fluid findings, clinical forms and neuro physiological aspects of MS.

A guide to the techniques and analysis of clinical data. Each of the seventeen sections begins with a drawing and biographical sketch of a seminal contributor to the discipline. After an introduction and historical survey of clinical methods, the next fifteen sections are organized by body system. Each contains clinical data items from the history, physical examination, and laboratory investigations that are generally included in a comprehensive patient evaluation. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Given the evolution of cerebrospinal testing (CSF) testing methods, the near future is certain to see an explosion of new CSF analysis methodologies. Broad-based and extensively illustrated, Cerebrospinal Fluid in Clinical Practice provides in-depth coverage of CSF examination and analysis, CSF physiology and pathophysiology, approach to diagnosis, and future directions in CSF analysis. It examines the alterations of the composition of CSF in relation to diseases and disorders of the nervous system, emphasizing the findings that are useful in clinical practice. This expansive reference is perfect regardless of your level of experience in central nervous system diseases. Provides in-depth coverage of CSF examination and analysis, CSF physiology and pathophysiology, approach to diagnosis, and future directions in CSF analysis. Explores the gamut of all CNS infections for a broad but detailed review of the scope of neurological disease. Contains detailed discussion on the proper use of specific diagnostic screens on CSF, so you may gain knowledge on how new diagnostic methods impact clinical medicine. Incorporates extensive illustrations and tables, with visual emphasis on diagnostic, laboratory, and anatomic data.