A 64-year-old male has been an in-patient in your ICU for one week following a subarachnoid haemorrhage. The following data were obtained from a CSF sample taken from the external ventricular drain:
|
Parameter |
Patient Value |
Adult Normal Range |
|
Glucose |
3.8 mmol/L |
2.2 – 3.9 |
|
Protein |
0.46 G/L |
0.15 – 0.50 |
|
White Cell Count |
20 x 106/L* |
< 5 |
|
Red Cell Count |
10,000 x 106/L* |
< 5 |
a) Interpret these results in the context of the brief history given. (20% marks)
Not available.
This question is identical to Question 3.2 from the second paper of 2013.
This is a fairly straightforward data interpretation question. 10,000 / 20 = 500; which is the perfect ratio. This CSF is not infected, it just has blood in it.
Of course, in order to make a more accurate analysis, it would be good to also know the serum WCC, so that one may calculate the proper ratio.
A more detailed discussion of CSF analysis is available elsewhere.