Inflammatory markers in cerebrospinal fluid in idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between neuroinflammation and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Material and Methods: 27 patients diagnosed with IIH who were in the follow-up, examination and treatment phase in our clinic between January 2023 and August 2024 were included in the patient group. 34 patients, including 19 with normal pressure hydrocephalus, 10 with secondary hydrocephalus, 2 with congenital hydrocephalus and 3 examined for headache, were included in the control group. IL 2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-11, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, IL-34 were analysed in serum and CSF samples by ELISA method. Results: IL-6, IL-11, IL-17 and IL-18 were found to be significantly higher in the CSF of patients with IIH, while IL-2 and IL-8 were found to be higher in the patient group, although not statistically significant. IL-15 and IL-34 CSF values were found to be higher in the control group. IL-2, IL-11, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18 and IL-34 were found to be significantly higher in the serum of patients with IIH, while IL-6 and IL- 8 were found to be higher in the patient group, although not statistically significant. Conclusion: The fact that interleukins such as IL-6, IL-11, IL-18, which are active in the central nervous system, and IL-2 and IL-17, which increase in systemic inflammation, were increased in the CSF of IIH patients supports that the disease develops on the basis of neuroinflammation. Additionally, all serum values were higher in the patient group compared to the control group which supports that neuroinflammation may develop due to systemic inflammation response.