Changes in CSF Surface Tension in Relation to Surfactant Proteins in Children with Intraventricular Hemorrhage

The regulation of surface tension (ST) by surfactants plays an important role in the human respiratory system but is largely unexplored in brain homeostasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in ST in relation to surfactant proteins (SPs) in children with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). CSF samples from 93 patients were analyzed for ST with a force tensiometer and SP-A-D and -G with ELISA assays. Patients belonged to six groups: (i) IVH before primary intervention (PI), (ii) IVH 4–28 days after PI, (iii) IVH 44–357 days after PI, (iv) hydrocephalus, (v) sepsis and (vi) controls. We found indirect correlations and significant differences in ST and SPs (all p < 0.001; except for SP-C, p = 0.007). Post hoc analyses showed significantly decreased ST in IVH patients before PI compared with patients with hydrocephalus, sepsis or controls (p < 0.001), but it increased in IVH patients over time. All SPs were significantly elevated when comparing IVH patients before PI with controls (all p < 0.001; except for SP-C, p = 0.003). Children suffering from IVH displayed an increase in SPs and a decrease in ST as coping mechanisms to preserve CSF flow. The increase in ST over time could serve as prognostic marker for the healing process.