Abstract
Twenty-seven patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) were treated with ethambutol, isonicotinic acid hydrazide, streptomycin and dexamethasone and 28 were treated with triple anti-tuberculous drugs only. Only two of the patients to whom steroids were given developed ocular complications as compared to seven of those not receiving dexamethasone. High dose dexamethasone apparently prevents optic atrophy in TBM. Controlled double-blind studies with and without dexamethasone are needed to confirm this postulation.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Antitubercular Agents / therapeutic use
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Dexamethasone / therapeutic use*
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Drug Therapy, Combination
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Female
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Humans
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Infant
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Optic Atrophy / etiology
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Optic Atrophy / prevention & control
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Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology
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Optic Nerve Diseases / prevention & control*
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Papilledema / etiology
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Papilledema / prevention & control
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Tuberculosis, Meningeal / complications*
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Tuberculosis, Meningeal / drug therapy
Substances
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Antitubercular Agents
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Dexamethasone