ABSTRACT
@#Objective: To observe whether an Xingnaojing 醒脑静 injection could improve the prognosis of patients, by increasing rifampicin penetration through the blood-brain barrier. Methods: Patients with severe tuberculous meningitis were enrolled in this study. The concentrations of Xingnaojing in cerebrospinal fluid and blood in patients treated with Xingnaojing and control were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. The changes in cerebrospinal fluid and the improvement of clinical symptoms and signs, were evaluated two weeks after admission. The long-term prognosis of the patients in the two groups were evaluated by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Results: The concentration of rifampicin in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly higher in the Xingnaojing group (1.77±0.17 μg/mL), than in the control group (1.27±0.16 μg/mL, p<0.05). The difference in concentration of rifampicin in the blood was not significant (P>0.05). The short-term effective rate of the Xingnaojing group was 92.5% (37/40), which was significantly higher than that of the control group (80%, 32/40, p<0.05). After 6 months, 75% (30/40) of the Xingnaojing group had good prognosis according to the GOS score, whereas that of the control group was 50% (20/40) showing significantly better long-term treatment effect of the Xingnaojing group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Xingnaojing injection improved rifampicin penetration into the central nervous system. The increase in rifampicin concentration in cerebrospinal fluid improved outcomes in patients with severe tuberculous meningitis.