Increased glutathione levels in neurochemically identified fibre systems in the aged rat lumbar motor nuclei.
Individual differences in susceptibility to lumbar and cervical disc degeneration seem to be explained, primarily, by genetic factors.
If diagnostic uncertainty remains, may need to perform lumbar puncture (to help exclude encephalitis or meningitis).
Results of a lumbar puncture test were negative.
Five of these children underwent a second lumbar puncture which was negative bacteriologically.
Ruling out bacterial meningitis early in the diagnostic phase prevents unnecessary lumbar punctures and hospitalizations for empirical antibiotic treatment.
Application of the rule would reduce lumbar punctures by 12% and hospitalizations for empirical treatment by 15% with the same diagnostic accuracy as current practice.
External lumbar drainage for 72 hours may be the most accurate test to predict response to shunting, but requires hospitalization.
