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A population-based study of children with cerebral tuberculosis in New South Wales
N Arestis1, Y J Tham, P B McIntyre
1Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Sydney, NSW.
Insights
Childhood cerebral tuberculosis (tuberculous meningitis [TBM]) incidence is low in New South Wales, comparable to other developed nations. This study found a TBM incidence of 0.053 per 100,000 children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Childhood cerebral tuberculosis, encompassing tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and tuberculoma, poses a significant health concern.
- Understanding the incidence of these conditions is crucial for public health planning and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the population-based incidence of childhood cerebral tuberculosis in New South Wales.
- Specifically, to quantify the occurrence of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and tuberculoma in children under 14 years.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective, population-based study design was employed.
- Data were collected for all resident children aged up to 14 years diagnosed with cerebral tuberculosis between 1982 and 1996 in New South Wales.
Main Results:
- Over 15 years, 10 children were diagnosed with TBM and one with tuberculoma.
- The incidence of TBM was calculated at 0.053 per 100,000 children (95% CI, 0.025-0.097).
- Three of the affected children died, and most TBM patients were Australian-born with European ancestry, with limited BCG vaccination.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of childhood TBM in New South Wales is low.
- This incidence rate is comparable to that observed in other developed countries.
- Findings highlight the importance of continued surveillance and prevention strategies for childhood TBM.
Objective:
To determine the incidence of childhood cerebral tuberculosis (tuberculous meningitis [TBM] and tuberculoma) in a defined population.
Design:
Retrospective, population-based study.
Setting And Participants:
All resident children aged up to 14 years in New South Wales diagnosed with cerebral tuberculosis, from 1982 to 1996.
Main Outcome Measure:
Population-based incidence of childhood TBM.
Results:
10 children with TBM and one with tuberculoma were identified in the 15 years. The incidence of TBM was 0.053 (95% CI, 0.025-0.097) per 100,000. Eight of the 10 TBM patients were born in Australia and five were of white European origin. Only one had been vaccinated with BCG vaccine. Three of the children died.
Conclusions:
The incidence of childhood TBM in New South Wales is low, and comparable with that in other First World countries.