The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) used for identification of molecular biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is mainly obtained from lumbar puncture (LP) performed to exclude other causes of motor neuron damage.
Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze whether CSF of ALS patients obtained for diagnostic purposes is suitable for biomarker studies in the entire ALS population.
Material and methods: We analyzed the medical data, LP frequency and CSF parameters in 568 ALS patients.
Results: LP was performed in 34% of cases. Patients who underwent LP were significantly younger and more frequently presented limb onset ALS, there were no differences in the clinical phenotypes.
Conclusion: CSF obtained for diagnostic purposes can be used for biomarkers studies in ALS.
Keywords: Cerebrospinal fluid; motor neuron disease; neurological disease.