The Prognostic Factors of Adult Tuberculous Meningitis

Background: Our aim was to analyze the prognostic factors and therapeutic outcomes of adult tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Patients and Methods: Clinical data of 36 patients with adult TBM were retrospectively identified at our institution over a period of 5 years. Results: 36 adult TBM patients, 23 males and 13 females, aged 16–83 years, were included in this study. The 36 patients were also divided into three groups (stages I, II and III) according to the severity of TBM on admission. Therapeutic outcomes at 3 months were determined using a modified Barthel Index (BI). For the purpose of statistical analysis, the patients were divided into two groups: good outcome (BI ≥ 12) and poor outcome (BI < 12). Positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture was found in 47% (17/36) of patients and isoniazid-resistant strains were found in 18% (3/17) of culture-proven TBM. We statistically compared clinical manifestations, CSF features and therapeutic results of the two patient groups. Significant prognostic factors included severity of TBM at the time of admission, the presence of headache, fever, hydrocephalus, high CSF protein concentration and high CSF lactate concentration. In stepwise logistic regression analysis, only the presence of hydrocephalus and severity of TBM on admission were strongly associated with therapeutic failure even after adjusting for other potentially confounding factors. Conclusion: In Taiwan, TBM is an important public health issue and the emergence of resistant strains of this disease in recent years presents a therapeutic challenge. Because delay in diagnosis is directly related to poor outcome, early diagnosis and early treatment are essential for survival. Received: July 17, 2000 · Revision accepted: July 16, 2001