Other Causes of Xanthochromia

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Other Causes of Xanthochromia

Examples of sources of pigment other than oxyhemoglobin and bilirubin that can cause xanthochromia include:
  • Methemoglobin
  • Increased CSF protein (>150 mg/dL)
  • Contamination with skin antiseptic (iodine or merthiolate)
Xanthochromia may also be present in the cerebrospinal fluid of premature infants. Reasons for this include:
  • Elevated bilirubin in the blood
  • Immaturity of the blood-brain barrier
  • Elevated protein in CSF