Fingerprint changes in CSF composition associated with different aetiologies in human neonatal hydrocephalus: inflammatory cytokines

Purpose Hydrocephalus (HC) has a multifactorial and complex picture of pathophysiology due to aetiology, age at and duration since onset. We have previously identified distinctions in markers of cell death associated with different aetiologies. Here, we examined cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from human HC neonates for cytokines to identify further distinguishing features of different aetiologies. Methods CSF was collected during routine lumbar puncture or ventricular tap from neonates with hydrocephalus, or with no neurological condition (normal controls). Total protein, Fas receptor, Fas ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured and compared between 8 unaffected and 28 HC neonatal CSF samples. Results Total protein was significantly ( P