Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
[Causes of death from tuberculosis in children under the present-day conditions]
Insights
Tuberculosis remains a threat to children, with tuberculous meningoencephalitis being the primary cause of death. Steroid therapy can worsen outcomes, leading to a condition known as steroid-induced tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) mortality rates in children in a central Russian region were analyzed over 14 years.
- Childhood TB mortality rates ranged from 0.10-0.20 per 100,000 children.
Observation:
- Tuberculous meningoencephalitis was the predominant cause of death (n=10).
- Other causes included caseous pneumonia (n=3) and generalized TB with comorbidities (n=2).
- Four children with tuberculous meningoencephalitis received intensive corticosteroid therapy.
Findings:
- Corticosteroid therapy in four cases led to severe pyonecrotic meningoencephalitis, brain edema, and hemorrhages.
- This severe outcome is recognized as steroid-induced tuberculosis.
Implications:
- Highlights the critical need to reconsider corticosteroid use in pediatric TB, especially tuberculous meningoencephalitis.
- Emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management strategies to prevent fatal outcomes in children with TB.
- Suggests further research into the mechanisms of steroid-induced tuberculosis and alternative treatment protocols.
Abstract:
Analysis of the causes of death from tuberculosis in 15 children in one of the central regions of Russia has indicated that in the past 14 years, the territorial childhood mortality rates have been 0.10-0.20 per 100,000 children. The main cause of death is tuberculous meningoencephalitis (n = 10); caseous pneumonia (n = 3), and generalized tuberculosis with severe concomitant diseases (n = 2) were less common. Tuberculous meningoencephalitis was postmortally diagnosed in 4 children who had received intensive nonspecific therapy using large doses of corticosteroid hormones. This led to the development of severe pyonecrotic meningoencephalitis with great brain edema and hemorrhoidal portions, which was early known as steroid-induced tuberculosis.
More Related Videos
10:24Identification of Potential Anti-TB Candidates: A Step-by-Step Guide to Synthesis, MIC Determination, and Cytotoxicity Assessment in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 22, 2026
09:34An Automated Culture System for Use in Preclinical Testing of Host-Directed Therapies for Tuberculosis
Published on: August 16, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Tuberculosis
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...