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Dharmana SN, Singla N, Sharma K, Modi M, Goyal M. Prevalence of Seizures in Patients With Tuberculous Meningitis (TBM) and Their Clinical Outcomes. Cureus 2025; 17:e77210. [PMID: 39925491 PMCID: PMC11807252 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.77210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2025] [Indexed: 02/11/2025] Open
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is challenging, as it requires a high level of clinical suspicion and robust efforts to manage complications. Aim The study focussed on the early detection of seizures and their functional and final outcome with etiological workup radiologically and on lab investigations. Design and methods This was a prospective observational study, in which 100 suspected TBM patients were enrolled based on Lancet consensus criteria at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, from August 2022 to December 2023. Patient's clinical characteristics, TBM severity assessment, CSF analysis, cerebral imaging, and EEG were done. The modified Rankin Score (mRS) assessed clinical outcomes. Results The patients' mean age was 36.12 years, with the majority comprising the female gender (55%). Among the clinical presentations, the most common were fever (88; 88%), headache (60; 60%), altered mental status (AMS) (84; 84%), and seizures on presentation (29; 29%). Of the patients with seizures, 72.4% presented with altered mental status with a p-value of 0.043. Based on the severity of the presentation, 44 (44%) presented in stage II, 35 (35%) presented in clinical stage III, and the rest (21; 21%) in stage I. The GeneXpert Ultra test was positive in 50 (50%) patients for a definitive diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis. On MRI brain, infarcts (42; 42%); hydrocephalus (32; 32%), tuberculomas (31; 31%), and exudates (13; 13%) were seen in patients. Cerebral vasculitic infarcts were found to be an independent predictor of seizures (p 0.01). Out of 29 patients with seizures, 14 patients had an mRS score of 6 and 7 patients had an mRS score of <= 2 at the end of 3 months. Conclusion Vasculitic infarcts in TBM were strongly associated with seizure occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyamal N Dharmana
- Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Neeraj Singla
- Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Kusum Sharma
- Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Manish Modi
- Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Manoj Goyal
- Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND
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Kalita J, Nizami FM, Kumar R. Status epilepticus in tuberculous meningitis. Epilepsy Behav 2024; 159:109986. [PMID: 39181109 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2024.109986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is paucity of information about status epilepticus (SE) in tuberculous meningitis (TBM). In this communication, we report SE semiology, response to antiseizure medication (ASM) and outcome of the TBM patients with SE. METHODS The diagnosis of TBM was based on clinical, cerebrospinal fluid and MRI findings. The clinical details, severity of meningitis, and MRI and electroencephalography findings were noted. The type of SE, onset from the meningitis symptoms, number of ASMs required to control SE and outcomes were noted. RESULTS During study period from august 2015 to march 2023, 143 TBM patients were admitted and 10 (6.9 %) had SE, whose age ranged between 12 and 45 years. MRI revealed exudates in six, hydrocephalus in three, infarctions in seven and tuberculoma in six patients. Median (interquartile range) duration of SE after meningitis symptoms was 65 (43.7-100.5) days. Three had generalized convulsive SE, three epileptia partialis continua (EPC), three focal convulsive SE with bilateral convulsion, and one had non-convulsive SE. Two (20 %) patients responded to two ASMs, six (60 %) had refractory SE whose seizure continued after benzodiazepine and one ASM, and two (20 %) had super-refractory SE having seizures for ≥ 24 h despite use of intravenous anesthetic agent. Four (40 %) patients died; uncontrolled SE resulted death in one, and the remaining patients died due to primary disease. Only 2 (20 %) patients had good recovery and 4 (40 %) had poor recovery at 6 months. CONCLUSION Status epilepticus in TBM is uncommon and can be refractory or super-refractory resulting in poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayantee Kalita
- Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226014, India.
| | - Firoz M Nizami
- Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226014, India
| | - Rabindra Kumar
- Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226014, India
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Zhou X, Ding D, Wang W, Zhou D, Sander JW. Mortality of Epilepsy in Chinese Populations: A Comprehensive Review. Neuroepidemiology 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39074464 DOI: 10.1159/000540426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Premature mortality is a significant part of the epilepsy burden and may vary across populations, especially between high-income and lower- and middle-income countries. People with epilepsy in China are approximately a fifth of the global population with epilepsy. Previous studies were unlikely to represent the situation in China due to limitations in design, methods, sample size, follow-up time, and other inherent population heterogeneity. SUMMARY By summarising the evidence on the mortality characteristics in Chinese populations with epilepsy in the last 6 decades, we found a median mortality rate of 14.7 (6.8-74.4)/1,000 person-years and a median standardised mortality ratio (SMR) of 4.4 (2.6-12.9) in population-based studies, and a median mortality rate of 12.3 (9.5-101.5)/1,000 person-years and a median SMR of 3.0 (1.5-5.1) in hospital-based studies. Vascular diseases, complications of diabetes, and accidental injuries were the leading causes of death. Risk factors for mortality were reported as older age, male, longer duration, and higher frequency of seizures. Case fatality ratios of status epilepticus in adults were higher than in children, and both increased with follow-up time. Mortality in people with symptomatic epilepsy was high and varied across different primary diseases. KEY MESSAGES The highest mortality rate and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) incidence were reported from the least developed areas in China. Accidental injuries were the most common causes of epilepsy-related deaths, while the incidence of SUDEP may be underestimated in Chinese populations. Further research is warranted to improve the understanding of premature mortality risk so that preventative measures can be introduced to improve the situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Zhou
- Institute of Neurology, National Center for Neurological Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,
| | - Ding Ding
- Institute of Neurology, National Center for Neurological Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhi Wang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West of China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Josemir W Sander
- Department of Neurology, West of China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chalfont St Peter, UK
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, The Netherlands
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Kirar RS, Uniyal R, Garg RK, Verma R, Malhotra HS, Sharma PK, Kumar N, Pandey S, Rizvi I, Jain A. Occurrence and determinants of seizures and their impact on tuberculous meningitis: a prospective evaluation. Acta Neurol Belg 2024; 124:821-829. [PMID: 38167743 DOI: 10.1007/s13760-023-02444-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the incidence of seizures and the factors contributing to poor outcomes in patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM). METHODS In this prospective observational study, 129 patients with TBM were enrolled at the Department of Neurology, King George's Medical University, Uttar Pradesh, India, from April 2021 to April 2023. Detailed clinical history, neurological examinations, baseline laboratory tests, contrast-enhanced Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) were obtained for all patients. Patients received anti-tuberculous therapy and, if necessary, anti-epileptic treatment. Patients were followed for 6 months, with outcomes evaluated using the Modified Rankin Scale (MRS). RESULTS Of the 129 patients, 48 (37.2%) reported seizures. Advanced TBM stage (p = 0.040, OR = 2.50 95% CI:1.02-6.07), cortical involvement (p = .0.013, OR = 2.58 95% CI:1.20-5.51) and spike-wave discharges in the EEG (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with seizure occurrence. After multivariate analysis, only cortical involvement (p = 0.031, OR = 2.34, 95% CI:1.08-5.08) emerged as independent predictor of for seizures. Focal to bilateral seizures (p = 0.008, OR = 9.41, 95% CI: 1.76-74.04), status epilepticus (p = 0.002, OR = 8.00, 95% CI: 1.86-34.32), and rifampicin resistance (p = 0.022, OR = 9.25, 95% CI: 1.43-59.50) were significantly associated with poor outcomes at the 6-month mark. CONCLUSION Seizures were significantly associated with advanced stage of the disease, cortical involvement on neuro-imaging and epileptiform pattern on EEG. Additionally, focal to bilateral seizures and status epilepticus adversely affected the outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopesh Singh Kirar
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Ravi Uniyal
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India.
| | - Ravindra Kumar Garg
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Rajesh Verma
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Hardeep Singh Malhotra
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Praveen Kumar Sharma
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Neeraj Kumar
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Shweta Pandey
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Imran Rizvi
- Department of Neurology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226003, India
| | - Amita Jain
- Department of Microbiology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 22600, India
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Ramos AP, Burneo JG. Seizures and epilepsy associated with central nervous system tuberculosis. Seizure 2023; 107:60-66. [PMID: 36963243 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2023.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis is a life-threatening condition that usually presents with seizures, particularly in children and HIV-infected patients. Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and tuberculomas are the two forms of CNS tuberculosis that can present with seizures. Seizures usually resolve after successful treatment of the underlying infection. However, the success of the treatment is usually based on an early diagnosis. Delay in the treatment of CNS tuberculosis increases the risk of its associated complications, such as stroke. This would lead to the development of epilepsy. Early seizures may be related to meningeal irritation and cerebral edema, whereas late seizures are often associated with structural brain lesions that generally require more advanced and prolonged treatment. Risk factors associated with the development of epilepsy include young age, refractory seizures, tuberculoma, cortical involvement, epileptiform discharges, and residual lesions. Treatment of CNS tuberculosis is based on early initiation of appropriate anti-tuberculous drugs, antiseizure medications, and correction of associated predisposing factors. Finally, further research into the mechanisms of seizures and the development of epilepsy in CNS tuberculosis could help improve management of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P Ramos
- Epilepsy Program, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Jorge G Burneo
- Epilepsy Program, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Neuroepidemiology Unit, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Panda PK, Ramachandran A, Sharawat IK, Sherwani P, Bhat NK. Comparison of Seizure Characteristics and Recurrence Rates in Children with Viable Parenchymal Neurocysticercosis and Tuberculoma in India. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 107:833-840. [PMID: 36037862 PMCID: PMC9651522 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-1298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory granulomas (neurocysticercosis [NCC] and tuberculomas) are important causes of seizures in children and adults in the developing world. Although several studies have explored seizure characteristics individually in patients with either NCC or tuberculoma, none has compared the seizure recurrence rate between them. This study included patients aged 5 to 18 years with viable parenchymal NCC or tuberculomas who had completed regular follow-up of at least 12 months at a tertiary institute in India. Their baseline seizure and electroencephalographic characteristics, antiseizure medications (ASMs), and breakthrough seizure rates at 12, 24, and 52 weeks were noted. A total of 103 and 54 patients with active NCC and tuberculomas respectively were included. The number of patients who had at least one breakthrough seizure at 12, 24, and 52 weeks in both groups was comparable (P = 0.32, 0.27, and 0.13), and the vast majority were controlled on monotherapy (98% cases in each group). The proportion of patients who required an increase in the dose or change of ASMs or polytherapy, the proportion of children who had status epilepticus at or before 12 months, abnormal electroencephalogram at 12 months, and calcified and active granuloma in neuroimaging at 12 months were also comparable between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all). The number of patients who had ASM-related adverse events and discontinued ASM due to serious adverse events was comparable between both groups, except for hepatotoxicity in the tuberculoma group. The predictors for breakthrough seizures that were found to be statistically significant in the NCC group were the presence of perilesional edema in the baseline magnetic resonance imaging (P = 0.02) and more than five active granulomas (P = 0.01); predictors in the tuberculoma group were the presence of severe perilesional edema causing midline shift in the baseline magnetic resonance imaging (P = 0.01) and more than five active granulomas (P = 0.04). The recurrence rates of breakthrough seizures over the next 12 months in newly detected cases of active NCC and tuberculomas were comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Kumar Panda
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
| | - Aparna Ramachandran
- Department of Neurology, IQRAA International Hospital & Research Centre, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
| | - Indar Kumar Sharawat
- Pediatric Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
| | - Poonam Sherwani
- Department of Radiodiagnosis and Imaging, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
| | - Nowneet Kumar Bhat
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article describes the current epidemiology, common clinical characteristics, and up-to-date evidence-based approaches to the diagnosis and management of the most common neurologic complications of tuberculosis (TB): tuberculous meningitis, intracranial tuberculoma, and spinal TB. RECENT FINDINGS Central nervous system (CNS) TB remains common and associated with significant mortality and neurologic sequelae worldwide. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection is strongly associated with both the development of and mortality due to CNS TB. Strongyloides co-infection is associated with reduced CNS inflammation and improved outcomes in the setting of tuberculous meningitis. Stroke remains a common complication of tuberculous meningitis, and emerging evidence suggests aspirin may be used in this context. Although a recent nucleic acid amplification test has demonstrated suboptimal sensitivity in the diagnosis of CNS TB, emerging diagnostic techniques include cell-free DNA, peripheral blood microRNA, metagenomic next-generation sequencing, and advanced imaging techniques, but these are not yet well validated. CNS TB is associated with high mortality even with current treatment regimens, although novel, promising strategies for treatment are under investigation, including a combination of IV isoniazid and ethambutol and high-dose rifampicin. SUMMARY TB can affect the nervous system in various ways and is associated with high mortality. Diagnosis remains challenging in endemic settings, with empiric treatment often initiated without a definitive diagnosis. Furthermore, optimal treatment regimens remain uncertain because current treatment for all forms of CNS TB is extrapolated from trials of tuberculous meningitis whereas the role of steroids in people with HIV and tuberculous meningitis remains controversial.
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Yu C, Zhou D, Jiang W, Mu J. Current epidemiological and etiological characteristics and treatment of seizures or epilepsy in patients with HIV infection. ACTA EPILEPTOLOGICA 2020. [PMCID: PMC7575336 DOI: 10.1186/s42494-020-00028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractSeizures or epilepsy is one of the common serious complications in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or diagnosed with immune deficiency syndrome, with higher incidence and prevalence than in the general population. Generalized seizures are the most common type in the patients. Opportunistic infections are a stereotypical predisposing factor for seizures in HIV patients, but a variety of pathogenic factors can also be found in these patients, such as metabolic perturbation and drug-drug interactions. The diagnostic criteria for seizures in these patients are the same as those in the general population. As HIV patients with seizures need to take both antivirals and antiepileptic drugs, the risk of drug-drug interactions is greatly increased, and the side effects of drugs may also become more prominent. At present, most experience in antiepileptic drug usage has come from the general population, and there is still a lack of guidance of antiepileptic drug use in special groups such as the HIV-infected people. Unlike the old-generation drugs that involve metabolisms through CYP450, the first-line antiepileptic drugs usually bypass CYP450, thus having less drug-drug interactions. In this review, we summarize the recent research progress on the above-mentioned widely discussed topics and make a prospect on future research direction.
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