Directly observed treatment, short course in tuberculous meningitis: Indian perspective

Abstract

Background: Effectiveness of intermittent short course chemotherapy for tuberculous meningitis (TBM) has not been well studied. There are scarce reported studies on this issue in the world literature. Neurologists all over India are reluctant to accept Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) for TBM since its introduction in India. Aim: We did a prospective study to assess effectiveness of Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP-DOTS) regimes among TBM patients. Materials and Methods: In this study we include the TBM patients admitted from September 2008 to March 2011. All were referred to RNTCP for treatment. Diagnostic Algorithm as per RNTCP guidelines was strictly followed and treatment outcome and follow-up status were recorded. We exclude HIV and pediatric age group. Results: A total of 42 cases registered for DOTS regimen were included in the study, of which 35 completed the treatment (83%). All the patients were started with DOTS but finally 78% received actual DOTS. All patients were given 9 months intermitted regimen as per RNTCP guidelines. Seven patients died during the treatment (16%). Conclusion: We found intermitted short course chemotherapy was effective in TBM.

Keywords

• Directly observed treatment short
• Intermitted therapy
• tuberculous meningitis