THE glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) level in the initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen from patients with acute bacterial meningitis may be useful in anticipating which patients will develop such complications as subdural effusions, neurologic sequelae, persistent altered state of consciousness, seizures, or death.1
An elevated CSF-GOT level is seen in some diseases of the central nervous system (CNS),2 including cerebrovascular accidents,3 head trauma,4 and acute bacterial meningitis.1,5,6 In acute purulent meningitis, the elevated CSF-GOT activity may be attributed to changes in the CSF blood barrier; to damage of brain tissue, or to the presence of white blood cells (WBCs) or bacteria; or to a combination of these factors. If the elevated CSF-GOT level reflects brain injury, then it could serve as an indicator of possible complications. Such a relationship between the CSF-GOT level and the outcome of experimental meningitis in dogs has been noted.6