Cerebrospinal fluid pyrazinamide concentrations in children with tuberculous meningitis

Cerebrospinal fluid pyrazinamide concentrations were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography in 53 samples from 13 children who had tuberculous meningitis complicated by increased intracranial pressure. Peak concentrations of up to 50 micrograms/ml were achieved between 1 1/2 and 2 1/2 hours after pyrazinamide administration and in most cases a concentration of 20 micrograms/ml or more was achieved. We conclude that pyrazinamide easily gains entry into the cerebrospinal fluid of children with tuberculous meningitis and should be included in treatment regimens for that disease.