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Tuberculous meningitis in Turkish children: an evaluation of 38 cases

V Ertekin1, H Alp, S Altinkaynak

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, Atatuürk University, Erzurum, Turkey. vdinar@tnn.net

Tropical Doctor
|August 18, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in children is a significant public health concern in Turkey, with a high mortality rate, especially in advanced stages. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to prevent severe outcomes and fatalities.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally.
  • Untreated TBM is universally fatal, and delayed recognition leads to high mortality and severe sequelae.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) prevalence in Turkey is 0.4%, with a notable burden of childhood cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical and laboratory findings of 38 children diagnosed with TBM.
  • To highlight the significance of TBM as a public health issue in Turkey, particularly in the eastern regions.
  • To emphasize the critical need for early diagnosis and treatment of TBM.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 38 pediatric TBM cases over five years.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations and laboratory findings.
  • Assessment of mortality rates and disease staging at diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • Mortality rate among the studied children was 28.9%.
  • Most fatalities occurred in patients presenting with stage III disease.
  • The study underscores the challenges in early TBM diagnosis due to non-specific initial symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • TBM poses a substantial public health challenge in Turkey, with a high mortality rate.
  • Early detection and intervention are paramount for improving outcomes in pediatric TBM.
  • The findings emphasize the need for increased awareness and improved diagnostic strategies for TBM, especially in underserved regions.

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