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Tuberculous meningitis: where to from here?

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity yet is difficult to diagnose and treat. We reviewed original research published in the last 2 years, since 1 January 2018, which we considered to have a major impact in advancing diagnosis, treatment and understandin...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Donovan, Joseph, Thwaites, Guy E., Huynh, Julie
Formato: Online Artículo Texto
Lenguaje:English
Publicado: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2020
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7259381/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32324614
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/QCO.0000000000000648
Descripción
Sumario:Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity yet is difficult to diagnose and treat. We reviewed original research published in the last 2 years, since 1 January 2018, which we considered to have a major impact in advancing diagnosis, treatment and understanding of the pathophysiology of TBM meningitis in children and adults. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies have sought to identify a high sensitivity diagnostic test for TBM, with new data on modified Ziehl--Neelsen staining, urinary and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lipoarabinomannan and GeneXpert Ultra. Recent studies on CSF biomarkers provide a better understanding of the detrimental inflammatory cascade and neuromarkers of brain damage and suggest potential for novel host-directed therapy. Tryptophan metabolism appears to affect outcome and requires further study. Increased clinical trials activity in TBM focuses on optimizing antituberculosis drug regimens and adjuvant therapy; however, there are few planned paediatric trials. SUMMARY: Tuberculous meningitis still kills or disables around half of sufferers. Although some progress has been made, there remains a need for more sensitive diagnostic tests, better drug therapy, improved management of complications and understanding of host-directed therapy if outcomes are to improve.