Experiences with cerebrospinal fluid analysis in Dutch memory clinics

P. E. Spies*, D. Slats, I. Ramakers, F. R. J. Verhey, Marcel G. M. Olde Rikkert

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Evidence on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis to demonstrate Alzheimer's disease has not yet been implemented in diagnostic guidelines. Methods: We investigated the use of CSF analysis in a survey amongst all known memory clinics in the Netherlands, of which 85 of 113 (75.2%) responded. Results: Sixty per cent of respondents used CSF analysis in 5% (median) of patients. The analysis almost always confirmed the working diagnosis in 68.4% and sometimes changed it in 28.2%. Complications occurred very infrequently (0%, median) and were mild. Reasons not to perform CSF analysis included the lack of clear recommendations in diagnostic guidelines. Conclusions: These results ask for a guideline update to clarify the use of CSF analysis as an add-on diagnostic method.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1014-1016
JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology
Volume18
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2011

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • cerebrospinal fluid analysis
  • dementia
  • guidelines
  • memory clinics

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