All issues > Volume 14(11); 1971

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1971;14(11):498-504. Published online November 30, 1971.

The Clinical Observation of Tuberculous Meningitis in Children

Kyu Cha Kim¹

¹Department of pediatrics, Chunam University Medical School

Abstract

A 106 case of children with tuberculous meningitis aged 5 months to 14 years were clinically observed at Mokpo Children’s Hospital from May, 1962 to December, 1968. The result were as follows: 1)The annual incidence of patient was gradually increased but the significance was not confirmed. 2)The highest incidence was noted in the group of under 4 years of age. The greatest number of these was between 1 and 2 years of age (40. 6%). The male patients were slightly higher than of the incidence of female patients. The ratio of male to female was 1. 59 : 1. 3)The incidence in spring was found to be the highest. 4)The suggestive source of infection was found in 39. 6%. The most of them (92. 6%) was noted： in the same family and the father was the major source of infection. 5)As the initial manifestation, vomiting and fever were the most common complaints. Neurologic signs on admission; the neck stiffness was most common and the sequence of Kernig’s sign, Babinskfs sign, increased patella tendon reflex and ankle clonus. In the 19% of patients the' neurologic signs on admission were within normal limits. 6)Tuberculosis of outside of meninges was found in 69. 8% of patients. The major of them had’ an active pulmonary tuberculosis. 7)Concerning relationship between the CSF findings, the amount of cells, protein, sugar and chloride, and prognosis, there was no significant difference. 8)About 2/3 cases were returned to normal CSF between 2 to 4 months after the starting of the treament. 9)The sequelae were appeared in 13. 9% of patients, and the spastic paresis was more in them. 10)According to the onset to starting of treatment and the degree of disturbance of consciousness, the prognosis were poor in mortality and sequelae. 11)The overall mortality rate was 25. 5%.

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