Tuberculous meningitis in children--clinical profile, mortality and morbidity of bacteriologically confirmed cases.

ABSTRACT

One hundred and seven cases of tuberculous meningitis were registered as a part of a case-control study during the period 1990-1992. The CSF of all cases was positive for culture and/or smear for acid fast bacilli. Children were examined at the time of admission and at the time of discharge and they were contacted at the end of 1 year. Clinical picture, mortality and morbidity were analyzed. Mortality of children during the first month of illness was 22%. Some of the cases presented as acute neurological illness. We also came across CSF picture with minimal cytological and biochemical changes but with positive culture results.