Abstract
1. The CSF fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas-chromatography in 15 cases of congenital hydrocephalus before and after ahunt operation. Each fatty acid content was determined by arachidic acid internal standard method.
2. Total CSF fatty acid concentration was higher in the hydrocephalic patients at the preoperative stage than in normal chidren.
3. The concentrations of the total and short chain (less than C16) fatty acids of CSF were higher in the high pressure hydrocephalic patients (above 150mm H2O) than in the low pressure hydrocephalic patients (below 150mm H2O).4. The concentrations of the total and short chain (less than C16) fatty acids of CSF were higher 3 weeks after operation in the patients with poor prognosis than in those with good prognosis.
5. It may be helpful to determine the CSF fatty acid composition for the prediction of prognosis in congenital hydrocephalus.
