[pH and lactic acid values in the cerebrospinal fluid as a diagnostic aid for differentiating viral and purulent meningoencephalitis].

Concentrations of lactate and pH were determined in the CSF of 20 normal children, 36 with viral meningitis, 16 with purulent meningitis and six with tuberculous meningitis. No differences were found between normal cases and those with viral meningitis. In patients with purulent meningitis concentration of lactate was above 30 mg/100 ml and pH below 7.3. Both determinations allowed differentiation between viral meningitis and purulent meningitis after 48 hr of treatment with antibiotics in 80% of the cases.