Blood-brain-barrier and intrathecal immunoglobulin changes in tuberculous meningitis and demyelinating disorders: a preliminary report from a south Indian hospital

Abstract

Sixty-three paired serum and CSF samples (15 controls and 48 patients) were studied for CSF albumin quotient, IgG index and synthesis rate. Control values for albumin quotient and IgG index were less than 10.0 and less than 0.6 respectively. IgG synthesis rate/day was calculated according to the Tourtellotte formula and a value of greater than 3.0 mg/day is considered high. Our findings in patients with central demyelinations, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, Guillain Barré Syndrome and cerebrovascular accidents are comparable to earlier studies. Fifteen tuberculous meningitis patients were studied and could be separated into 2 groups, 9 with elevated albumin quotients and 6 with normal albumin quotients. Three patients with elevated albumin quotients and 4 with normal albumin quotients showed increased intrathecal IgG synthesis.