Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.11613/BM.2017.030703

Tau protein as a possible marker of cerebrospinal fluid leakage in cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea: A pilot study

Jean-Baptiste Oudart ; CHU de Reims, Laboratoire Central de Biochimie, Reims, France; Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UMR CNRS/URCA N°7369, Reims, France
Laure Zucchini ; CHU de Reims, Laboratoire Central de Biochimie, Reims, France
François-Xavier Maquart ; CHU de Reims, Laboratoire Central de Biochimie, Reims, France; Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UMR CNRS/URCA N°7369, Reims, France
Xavier Dubernard ; CHU de Reims, Service d’Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie, Reims, France
Marc Labrousse ; CHU de Reims, Service d’Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie, Reims, France
Géraldine Fiabane ; CHU de Reims, Laboratoire Central de Biochimie, Reims, France
Alexandra Quedreux ; CHU de Reims, Laboratoire Central de Biochimie, Reims, France
Fabien Litre ; CHU de Reims, Service de Neurochirurgie, Reims, France
Laurent Ramont ; CHU de Reims, Laboratoire Central de Biochimie, Reims, France; Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, UMR CNRS/URCA N°7369, Reims, France

Abstract

Introduction: The management of posttraumatic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhoea remains a clinical challenge. Cerebrospinal fistula is a dural
defect responsible for possible CSF leakage into the contiguous air-filled cavities located at the skull base. The risk of central nervous system infection
in these conditions is severe and can be life threatening. Consequently, a specific CSF biomarker might be used in case of difficult diagnosis of CSF
rhinorrhoea. CSF Tau protein is a neuronal protein, commonly assessed for diagnosis of Alzheimer Disease (AD). The aim of this study was to determine
whether the Tau protein could be a relevant marker of CSF leakage.
Materials and methods: Tau protein measurement was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 13 patients with CSF leakage (CSF
rhinorrhoea group), and 8 patients with spontaneous aqueous rhinorrhoea (non-CSF leakage group). The serum concentration of Tau protein was
measured by ELISA in both CSF rhinorrhoea group and non-CSF leakage group.
Results: In patients with CSF leakage, CSF Tau protein median concentration was 479 ng/L (197 - 2325 ng/L). On the other hand, the Tau protein
concentration was below the lower limit of quantification (LLoQ) (< 87 ng/L) in non-CSF leakage group. Serum Tau protein concentration by ELISA
was also below LLoQ (< 87 ng/L) for all subjects.
Conclusion: ELISA measurement of Tau protein in rhinorrhoea fluid may be a reliable and relevant marker for detecting the presence of CSF in the
nasal discharge and sign the existence of a CSF leakage.

Keywords

cerebrospinal fluid; cerebrospinal fluid leakage; cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea; ELISA; Tau protein

Hrčak ID:

187586

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/187586

Publication date:

15.10.2017.

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