CEREBROSPINAL FLUID OF PREMATURE INFANTS

Abstract

Some time ago the results of a series of spinal punctures on 100 premature infants were published and discussed with particular reference to intracranial hemorrhage and pigmentation of the cerebrospinal fluid.¹ Since then the series has been increased to 170 infants. In general, though there have been but few changes in the conclusions advanced in the first paper, the conditions observed in the second series of 70 infants, together with a theory that has been developed in the course of the work to explain physiologic xanthochromia of the new-born infant, are sufficiently interesting to warrant publication. In the discussion to follow, the term "meningeal" hemorrhage will be used instead of "cerebral" or "intracranial," as the former term more accurately designates the pathologic condition under consideration. TECHNIC The technic previously described for lumbar puncture in premature infants has continued satisfactory. In brief, this consists in using a small hypodermic needle (no.