Tuberculous meningitis in children: a review of 15 cases

Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) is the most serious form of infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Between 1968 and 1986 15 children (five boys and 10 girls) were seen at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow, because of TBM. Fourteen children were Caucasian and one was Asian. The mean age at presentation was two years. None had been given BCG vaccination. In 12 children close contact with other cases of tuberculosis was reported. The signs and symptoms which helped in the diagnosis are discussed together with the initial CSF findings, results of mantoux testing and chest X-rays. Three children had unusual modes of presentation. All children were treated with chemotherapy though the drug combinations, route of administration and therapy varied from case to case. Steroids were used in nine children. Five children required neurosurgical intervention. Two children died and of the survivors six had serious sequelae. Five children made a complete recovery. The outcome of TBM depended on the duration of symptoms prior to the onset of therapy, on the neurological status reached at the time of diagnosis and the age of the child. The roles of chemotherapy, steroids and neurosurgery in the management of TBM are discussed. The need for routine BCG vaccination of all neonates is examined.