THE SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF THE LDH LEVELS IN THE CEREBROSPINAL FLUID IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF BACTERIAL MENINGITIS IN CHILDREN

Background: Making a differential diagnosis between bacterial meningitis and aseptic meningitis is an important clinical problem. Standard routine analysis of CSF does not always provide rapid definitive information as for as causative agent is concerned. Therefore, there is a need for an additional test of CSF. Objective: The study aims to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the LDH enzyme in CSF in the early diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Methods: In a cross-sectional study design included 90 patients with a probability of meningitis aged between one day to 12 years. Complete blood cells (CBC), C-reactive protein (Crp) were measured. Lumbar puncture was done in all stable cases and CSF was collected in sterile bottles. Analysis of the sample done in Tishreen University Laboratory. CSF LDH was done. Results: LDH levels were significantly high in bacterial meningitis and marginally raised in viral meningitis. The sensitivity of LDH enzyme in Cerebrospinal fluid…