ABSTRACT

Objective: This was to evaluate the history, clinical and laboratory findings, outcome and prognosis of patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM).

Method: Between 1998 and 2009, 60 patients with TBM were evaluated, retrospectively.

Results: Overall, 60 patients were selected, of which 33 (55%) were male. The patients’ ages ranged from 14 to 62 years. In the majority of the patients, disease was in an advanced stage on admission (66% in stage III according to the British Research Council neurological criteria). The rate of complications was highest among patients in stages II and III with an overall mortality rate of 6.6% (n = 2 of stage II patients and n = 2 of stage III patients).

Conclusions: Earlier admission of the patients with TBM could provide better outcomes with regard to sequelae and mortality. Fatal cases presented with rapid deterioration and were refractory to treatment.