Beta-2 transferrin

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Beta-2 transferrin is a carbohydrate-free (desialated) isoform of transferrin, which is almost only found in the cerebrospinal fluid. It is not found in blood, mucus or tears, thus making it a specific marker of cerebrospinal fluid, applied as an assay in cases where cerebrospinal fluid leakage is suspected.

Beta-2 transferrin would also be positive is patients with perilymph fluid leaks, as it is also present in inner ear perilymph. Thus, beta-2 transferrin in otorrhea would be suggestive of either a CSF leak or a perilymph leak.

[edit] References

• Chan D, Poon W, IP C, Chiu P, goh K (2004). "How useful is glucose detection in diagnosing cerebrospinal fluid leak? The rational use of CT and Beta-2 transferrin assay in detection of cerebrospinal fluid fistula" (^{[dead link]}). Asian journal of surgery / Asian Surgical Association 27 (1): 39–42. PMID 14719513. 

Skedros DG, Cass SP, Hirsch BE, Kelly RH. Beta-2 transferrin assay in clinical management of cerebral spinal fluid and perilymphatic fluid leaks. J Otolaryngol. 1993 Oct;22(5):341-4