CSF interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and free radicals production in relation to clinical outcome in acute bacterial meningitis

To study the relationship of CSF IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha with free radicals in acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) and to evaluate the clinical outcome in relation to the levels of these cytokines and free radicals in CSF. Prospective with controls. Referral unit of a teaching hospital. 32 children between 3m-12 yrs of age with proven acute bacterial meningitis comprised the study group. In the control group, 20 children with febrile seizures were included. CSF cytokines- Interleukin Ib and tumour necrosis factor a,free radicals O(2)-, H(2)O(2) and enzymes SOD and CPK were measured in all the children. CSF IL-Ib and TNF-a concentration were markedly elevated in children with ABM (441.5 +/- 216.1 pg/ml, and 1009 +/- 529.1 pg/ml, respectively) as compared to controls (52.67 +/- 6.92 pg/ml, and 86.42 +/- 16.24 pg/ml) (p