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[Clinical aspects of tuberculous meningitis in children]

Olga Adriana Caliman-Sturdza1, Doina Mihalache, Cătălina Mihaela Luca

  • 1Doctorand al Universităţii de Medicină şi Farmacie Gr.T. Popa Iaşi.

Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii De Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi
|January 20, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Tuberculous meningitis in children presents with atypical symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. This results in high mortality rates and frequent complications, underscoring the diagnostic challenges in pediatric TB meningitis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Context:

  • Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) poses a significant diagnostic challenge in children.
  • Atypical clinical presentations in infants and young children complicate early recognition.
  • Delayed hospital admission and treatment initiation are common.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the clinical manifestations and evolution of tuberculous meningitis in a pediatric cohort.
  • To identify factors contributing to delayed diagnosis and poor outcomes in pediatric TBM.
  • To highlight the diagnostic difficulties and complications associated with TBM in children.

Summary:

  • A study of 169 children with TBM revealed atypical symptoms, particularly in infants, and frequent delays in diagnosis (56.8%).
  • Poor socio-economic conditions and family TB contact were noted in a majority of patients.
  • Diagnostic methods included CSF analysis, Quantiferon TB Gold, imaging, and response to therapy. High complication rates (hydrocephalus 28.9%) and mortality (18 deaths) were observed.

Impact:

  • Highlights the need for increased awareness and improved diagnostic strategies for pediatric TBM.
  • Emphasizes the critical link between delayed treatment and adverse outcomes, including mortality and long-term complications.
  • Informs clinical practice regarding the recognition and management of TBM in children, especially those from vulnerable populations.
Abstract

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