CSF glucose levels below which value indicate potential pathologies such as septic meningitis?

CSF glucose levels below which value indicate potential pathologies such as septic meningitis?

• A. 30 mg/dL
• B. 40 mg/dL
• C. 50 mg/dL
• D. 60 mg/dL

Answer: (B)

In the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for potential pathologies, particularly septic meningitis, glucose levels play a crucial role. Normal CSF glucose levels are typically around two-thirds of serum glucose levels, with reference values generally ranging between 40 to 70 mg/dL. When assessing for conditions such as septic meningitis, a CSF glucose level below 40 mg/dL is particularly significant. This threshold indicates that there is impaired glucose transport or utilization within the central nervous system, often due to an infectious process that can lead to a consumption of glucose by bacteria or inflammation. Thus, while levels can fluctuate, falling below this critical value is a strong indicator that warrants further clinical investigation and intervention. The emphasis on the 40 mg/dL threshold is based on the association of low glucose levels with bacterial infections, underscoring the importance of this metric in diagnosing meningitis.

In the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for potential pathologies, particularly septic meningitis, glucose levels play a crucial role. Normal CSF glucose levels are typically around two-thirds of serum glucose levels, with reference values generally ranging between 40 to 70 mg/dL. When assessing for conditions such as septic meningitis, a CSF glucose level below 40 mg/dL is particularly significant.

This threshold indicates that there is impaired glucose transport or utilization within the central nervous system, often due to an infectious process that can lead to a consumption of glucose by bacteria or inflammation. Thus, while levels can fluctuate, falling below this critical value is a strong indicator that warrants further clinical investigation and intervention. The emphasis on the 40 mg/dL threshold is based on the association of low glucose levels with bacterial infections, underscoring the importance of this metric in diagnosing meningitis.