Elevated CSF lactoferrin in superficial siderosis of the central nervous system

This study sought to identify abnormalities in the levels of iron transport proteins in patients with superficial siderosis of the central nervous sys tem. We compared patients with superficial siderosis (n = 7) with patients suffering from various other neurological disorders (n = 176, total). CSF a nd serum levels of lactoferrin, and CSF levels of transferrin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum transferrin was measured by ne phelometry. Lactoferrin, but not transferrin, levels in the CSF were signif icantly elevated in superficial siderosis. Unexpectedly, CSF transferrin wa s decreased in multiple sclerosis patients. Enhanced CSF lactoferrin may re flect an increased iron transport requirement in the central nervous system in superficial siderosis and might be a useful measure for monitoring resp onse to therapy.