Elevated myo-inositol concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid of neonates and of patients with an impaired state of consciousness.

A simple, semiquantitative paper chromatographic method was used to identify samples of cerebrospinal fluid containing elevated concentrations of myo-inositol. All patients whose CSF inositol concentrations were greater than 70 mug/ml (as determined by S. carlsbergensis microbiological assay) showed disturbances of the state of consciousness, reported as stupor, coma or confusion in adults, or apathy and stupor in infants. An elevated level of inositol in cerebrospinal fluid appeared to be a characteristic finding in infants under one year of age. Among other age groups no common etiology was correlated with high inositol concentration.