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Tuberculous meningitis in Greek children

Elissavet Mihailidou1, Myrofora Goutaki, Anastasia Nanou

  • 1Paediatric Department, Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Thessaloniki, Greece. elisam@otenet.gr

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|December 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in children, though rare, presents significant risks. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing long-term neurological damage.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
  • Childhood TBM requires analysis of its epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic approach, and outcome of childhood tuberculous meningitis.

Main Methods:

  • A 25-year retrospective study (1984-2008) of 43 children diagnosed with TBM.
  • Patients were classified using the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) staging system.

Main Results:

  • Most patients (63%) were Greek; none had BCG vaccination. Family history of TB was noted in 42%.
  • Extrameningeal infection (pulmonary TB, spondylitis) occurred in 33%. Complications included coma, seizures, and hydrocephalus in 60% of patients.
  • Mortality was 5%, with 14% experiencing permanent neurological sequelae.

Conclusions:

  • TBM, despite its rarity, leads to substantial morbidity and mortality in children.
  • Prompt clinical diagnosis and timely initiation of anti-tuberculous therapy are vital for a better prognosis.
Abstract

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