HYDROCEPHALUS IN CASES OF TUBERCULOUS MENINGITIS

Tuberculosis meningitis (TBM) is a serious public health problem in developing countries as it leads to significant mortality and residual neurological squeal. The estimated mortality due to TBM in Asia is 1.5 per 100,000 populations.

Objectives: To determine the frequency of hydrocephalus in cases of TBM presenting to the Department of Medicine and Pulmonology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan.

Material & methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted during January 2019 to June 2019 conducted at Al Nafees Medical college and Hospital, Islamabad. The detailed demographic data was collected. Cases fulfilling the criteria of TBM underwent CT scan of brain (with IV contrast) for confirmation of TBM at the Department of Radiology, Sheikh Zayed hospital Rahim Yar Khan.

Results: In this study there were 186 cases, out of which 108 were males and 78 females with mean of 35.29±11.17 years. Hydrocephalus was seen in 122 (65.59%) cases. It was seen significantly higher in male group where it caused it in 80 out of 108 males (74.1%) with p value of 0.04. In context of age groups with respect to hydrocephalus it was seen maximum in patients with age group of 31 to 40 years affecting 24 (80%) out of 30 of its respective group. with p value of 0.24. Hydrocephalus was observed maximum in stage I of TBM where it affected 1 out of 5 cases followed by stage II with 36 of 52 cases with p= 0.44. 

Conclusion: Hydrocephalus is an important and deadly complication of tuberculous meningitis and is noted in every 2 (65.59%) out of 3 cases. There is significant association of male gender with hydrocephalus.

Key words: Tuberculosis meningitis, hydrocephalus.