Abstract
1) CSF total protein values for the first month are shown in Fig.1 and 2. Data concerning neurological findings overlap (Fig.3). Up to 150 mg per 100 ml has thus to be accepted as normal.2) CSF leucocytes up to 20/3 were observed during the first four weeks of life in 75-78% (Fig.7).3) In full term newborns, indirect bilirubin does have a statistical correlation between serum an d CSF, however this is not linear due to the blood CSF barrier (BCB). Grade of BCB maturity is determined by indirect bilirubin ratio of CSF to serum. Should untoward conditions be present during the perinatal period this ratio is reduced. Clinically a semi-quantitative evaluation of BCB is feasible. The lowest normal limit is a ratio of 70: 1, therefore, a reduction in this ratio can be attributed not only to intracranial hemorrhage (Roberts 1928) but also to increasing permeability of BCB.
