Study on 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate Accumulation in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Author Information
Author(s): A. Thyss, G. Milano, M.C. Etienne, P. Paquis, J.L. Roche, P. Grelier, M. Schneider
Primary Institution: Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Hôpital Pasteur, Nice, France
Hypothesis
Does repeated administration of folinic acid combined with methotrexate lead to accumulation of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in cerebrospinal fluid?
Conclusion
The study found that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate accumulates in cerebrospinal fluid during repeated treatments, which may affect the efficacy of methotrexate.
Supporting Evidence
- 5-MTHF was the only detectable product in cerebrospinal fluid.
- 5-MTHF was cleared very slowly from cerebrospinal fluid with a half-life of 85 hours.
- Five out of eight children showed progressive accumulation of 5-MTHF in cerebrospinal fluid.
Takeaway
When kids get treated for leukemia with certain medicines, a substance called 5-MTHF can build up in their spinal fluid, which might make the treatment less effective.
Methodology
The study involved two groups: normal volunteers receiving folinic acid and children with leukemia treated with methotrexate and folinic acid, with samples taken from both plasma and cerebrospinal fluid.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small number of children and did not include patients with meningeal disease.
Participant Demographics
28 normal volunteers (17 males, 11 females) aged 23-77 years and 8 children (6 males, 2 females) aged 2-9 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
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