Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Adjuvant Activity of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Enhancing the Immunogenicity of Autoantigens During Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
06:57

Adjuvant Activity of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in Enhancing the Immunogenicity of Autoantigens During Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: May 12, 2023

Adjunctive thalidomide therapy of childhood tuberculous meningitis: possible anti-inflammatory role

J F Schoeman1, P Springer, A Ravenscroft

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Hospital, South Africa. jfs@gerga.sun.ac.za

Journal of Child Neurology
|August 29, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Thalidomide, an immunomodulatory drug, was found safe and well-tolerated as an add-on treatment for children with tuberculous meningitis. It reduced inflammation and showed promising clinical outcomes, warranting further study.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neuroimmunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a severe infection requiring multifaceted treatment.
  • Adjunct therapies are explored to improve outcomes in TBM, particularly for managing inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and tolerability of thalidomide as an adjunct therapy in children with stage 2 TBM.
  • To assess the impact of thalidomide on inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A dose-escalating study involving 15 children with TBM receiving thalidomide for 28 days alongside standard anti-TB therapy and corticosteroids.
  • Clinical and laboratory assessments, including cerebrospinal fluid tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels, were performed.
  • Dosages ranged from 6 to 24 mg/kg/day administered via nasogastric tube.

Main Results:

  • Thalidomide was safe and well-tolerated, with only transient skin rashes as possible adverse events.
  • Significant reduction in cerebrospinal fluid tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels observed.
  • Improved clinical outcomes and neurologic imaging compared to historical controls.

Conclusions:

  • Thalidomide shows potential as an anti-inflammatory agent in pediatric TBM.
  • The drug is safe and well-tolerated in this patient population.
  • Results support further investigation in a randomized controlled trial.

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