Asian Spine J.  2016 Oct;10(5):828-833. 10.4184/asj.2016.10.5.828.

Nitric Oxide Metabolite Concentration in Cerebrospinal Fluid: Useful as a Prognostic Marker?

• Singh S
• Prakash J
• Singh R
• Verma A
• Bansal H

• KMID: 2354805
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4184/asj.2016.10.5.828

Abstract

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. PURPOSE: To establish the significance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) nitric oxide metabolite (NOx) concentration in acute spinal cord injury (SCI) patients to assess the neurological severity and prognosis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Quantitative analysis of specific biomarkers in CSF will assess neurological severity more accurately and permit the formulation of a more precise management plan.
METHODS
Forty SCI patients represented the cases and 20 lower limb injury patients were the controls. NOx concentration in CSF was measured at week 1, 2, and 4 by Griess method. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, T2-weighted) done in each case to measure cord edema and neurological severity was assessed using the Frankel classification.
RESULTS
CSF NOx concentration peaked at week 2 and declined to normal by week 4. The concentration remained normal in controls. Mean NOx concentration was directly proportional to the severity of acute SCI as correlated with cord edema seen in MRI and neurological severity assessed.
CONCLUSIONS
CSF NOx concentration can be considered a specific quantitative biomarker in acute stage of SCI to predict the severity and prognosis of SCI patients.

Keyword

Nitric oxide; Cord edema; Cerebrospinal fluid; Magnetic resonance imaging; Neurological severity; Recovery

MeSH Terms

Biomarkers
Cerebrospinal Fluid*
Classification
Edema
Humans
Lower Extremity
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Methods
Nitric Oxide*
Prognosis
Prospective Studies
Spinal Cord Injuries
Biomarkers
Nitric Oxide