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Babu M, Mani T, Sappani M, George S, Bangdiwala SI, Jeyaseelan L. Exact correction factor for estimating the OR in the presence of sparse data with a zero cell in 2 × 2 tables. Int J Biostat 2024; 20:229-243. [PMID: 37159838 DOI: 10.1515/ijb-2022-0040] [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: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In case-control studies, odds ratios (OR) are calculated from 2 × 2 tables and in some instances, we observe small cell counts or zero counts in one of the cells. The corrections to calculate the ORs in the presence of empty cells are available in literature. Some of these include Yates continuity correction and Agresti and Coull correction. However, the available methods provided different corrections and the situations where each could be applied are not very apparent. Therefore, the current research proposes an iterative algorithm of estimating an exact (optimum) correction factor for the respective sample size. This was evaluated by simulating data with varying proportions and sample sizes. The estimated correction factor was considered after obtaining the bias, standard error of odds ratio, root mean square error and the coverage probability. Also, we have presented a linear function to identify the exact correction factor using sample size and proportion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malavika Babu
- Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Thenmozhi Mani
- Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marimuthu Sappani
- Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sebastian George
- Department of Statistical Sciences, Kannur University, Kannur, Kerala, India
| | - Shrikant I Bangdiwala
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lakshmanan Jeyaseelan
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Kurosaki F, Kuroki T, Nomura Y, Numao T, Bando M, Maemondo M. Prolonged paradoxical reaction requiring over 5 years of corticosteroid administration in a patient with severe tuberculous meningitis. J Infect Chemother 2024; 30:357-361. [PMID: 37922986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.10.027] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a rare disease in low-incidence countries like Japan, where general physicians have fewer experience with TBM. Despite its proper treatment and early improvement of the condition, TBM often causes paradoxical reactions (PRs), which can lead to severe complications such as stroke. As PRs in the brain are difficult to detect without regular neuroimaging surveillance and have a later onset than in other organs, delayed treatment can be fatal. We report a case of a 54-year-old, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative man who presented with TBM and miliary tuberculosis (TB) in an unconscious state. Standard anti-tuberculous therapy with adjunctive systemic high-dose dexamethasone brought rapid clinical and microbiological improvement, which allowed the dexamethasone to be tapered. However, he developed cerebral infarction with left hemiplegia due to a TBM-related PR five months after admission. Therefore, the initial high-dose dexamethasone was again added to the anti-tuberculous drugs, achieving the significant effects on the PR-related lesions. Anti-tuberculous drugs had been administered for 3 years and the dexamethasone was carefully tapered. Nevertheless, enlargement of PR-related lesions in the brain recurred 5 years later. Accordingly, the dose of corticosteroid was again increased, resulting in resolving the lesions. It is important to note that severe TBM may cause prolonged PRs, which require a long-term neuroimaging follow-up and anti-inflammatory drugs for the successful management of the TBM-related PR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumio Kurosaki
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan; Department of Pulmonary Medicine, National Hospital Organization Utsunomiya National Hospital, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan.
| | - Tomonori Kuroki
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan; Department of Pulmonary Medicine, National Hospital Organization Utsunomiya National Hospital, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yushi Nomura
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, National Hospital Organization Utsunomiya National Hospital, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Toshio Numao
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, National Hospital Organization Utsunomiya National Hospital, Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masashi Bando
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Makoto Maemondo
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Tochigi, Japan
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Muzumdar D, Bansal P, Rai S, Bhatia K. Surgery for Central Nervous System Tuberculosis in Children. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 2024; 49:255-289. [PMID: 38700688 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-42398-7_12] [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] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is the second most common cause of death due to a single infectious agent worldwide after COVID-19. Central nervous system tuberculosis is widely prevalent in the world, especially in the developing countries and continues to be a socioeconomic problem. It is highly devastating form of tuberculosis leading to unacceptable levels of morbidity and mortality despite appropriate antitubercular therapy. The clinical symptoms are varied and nonspecific. They can be easily overlooked. Tuberculous meningitis is the most common presentation and its sequelae viz. vasculitis, infarction and hydrocephalus can be devastating. The ensuing cognitive, intellectual, and endocrinological outcome can be a significant source of morbidity and mortality, especially in resource constrained countries. Early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous meningitis and institution of treatment is helpful in limiting the course of disease process. The diagnosis of CNS tuberculosis remains a formidable diagnostic challenge. The microbiological methods alone cannot be relied upon. CSF diversion procedures need to be performed at the appropriate time in order to achieve good outcomes. Tuberculous pachymeningitis and arachnoiditis are morbid sequelae of tuberculous meningitis. Tuberculomas present as mass lesions in the craniospinal axis. Tuberculous abscess can mimic pyogenic abscess and requires high index of suspicion. Calvarial tuberculosis is seen in children and responds well to antituberculous chemotherapy. Tuberculosis of the spinal cord is seen similar to intracranial tuberculosis in pathogenesis but with its own unique clinical manifestations and management. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is a formidable problem, and alternate chemotherapy should be promptly instituted. The pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of central nervous system tuberculosis in children are summarized. Heightened clinical suspicion is paramount to ensure prompt investigation. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to a gratifying outcome and prevent complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dattatraya Muzumdar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Puru Bansal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Survender Rai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India
| | - Kushal Bhatia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India
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Mansour MA, Ahmadi Z, Ali H, Ayad AA. Intracranial tuberculoma masquerading as a brain tumor: A rare presentation in a healthy young adult with no prior history of tuberculosis. IDCases 2023; 31:e01700. [PMID: 36711191 PMCID: PMC9874013 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa A. Mansour
- Department of Neurology and Neurologic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt,Department of Neurology and Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA,Division of Neuro-Intensive Care, Dar Al-Fouad Medical Corporation, Cairo, Egypt,Department of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt,Corresponding author at: Department of Neurology and Neurologic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Zarina Ahmadi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hassan Ali
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt,Division of Neurology and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmad A. Ayad
- Department of Neurology and Neurologic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Shi Z, Sun Y. Case report: Multiple brain tuberculomas after in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer, and abortion. Front Neurol 2022; 13:971373. [PMID: 36176554 PMCID: PMC9513355 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.971373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple brain tuberculomas (MBT), characterized by disseminated tuberculous granulomas in the brain, is a rare disease like tuberculosis encountered after in vitro fertilization, embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and abortion. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic strategies of MBT after IVF-ET and abortion. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of two patients who suffered from MBT after IVF-ET and abortion. Results Both patients manifested headache and vomiting, which are the common symptoms of intracranial hypertension, accompanied by tuberculous meningitis. Besides, case 1 was affected by fever and epilepsy. In terms of imaging characteristics, T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) displayed multiple intracranial punctate or patchy high-intensity signals, some of which were presented as “target sign” or enhanced-like disseminated nodules, similar to miliary tuberculosis. Regular anti-tuberculosis therapy with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol was administered but failed to achieve a significant effect in the initial stage. The symptoms were gradually relieved, and the brain lesions in MRI were significantly alleviated after combining with intrathecal injections of isoniazid, dexamethasone, and chymotrypsin. Conclusions In vitro fertilization, embryo transfer (IVF-ET) may be a risk factor for MBT, the common manifestations of which are intracranial hypertension. In addition to multiple nodular enhancement on brain MRI, the “target sign” on T2WI is likely to be another typical feature of MBT. Provided that there is no obvious effect of regular anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT), intrathecal injections of isoniazid, dexamethasone, and chymotrypsin are considered to produce a favorable prognosis, but further studies are still needed to confirm the efficacy.
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Perez-Malagon CD, Barrera-Rodriguez R, Lopez-Gonzalez MA, Alva-Lopez LF. Diagnostic and Neurological Overview of Brain Tuberculomas: A Review of Literature. Cureus 2021; 13:e20133. [PMID: 34900500 PMCID: PMC8648135 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis is a disease caused by a bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb). It is estimated by World Health Organization (WHO) that nearly a quarter of the world's population is infected. Tuberculoma of the brain is one of the most severe extrapulmonary forms that affects patients younger than 40 years of age. Brain parenchymal tuberculoma develops in nearly one of 300 non-treated cases of pulmonary tuberculosis cases. In endemic regions, tuberculomas account for as many as 50% of all intracranial masses. Tuberculoma results in a hematogenous spread of M. tb from an extracranial source. Tuberculomas can mimic a variety of diseases and can present themselves in a subacute or chronic course, from asymptomatic to severe intracranial hypertension. Diagnosis is based on computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies with a similar ring-enhancing lesion. Treatment is primarily medical, and the duration for brain tuberculoma can vary from six to 36 months. In certain cases, surgery is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raul Barrera-Rodriguez
- Immunopharmacology, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER), Mexico City, MEX
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Pamela BE, Vasudevan P, Thamizhmaran S, Moorthy RK, Oommen A, Manoj J, Thanigachalam A, Zhang M, Drevets DA, Carabin H, Rajshekhar V. Monocyte Gene Expression Distinguishes Enhancing Brain Parenchymal Cysticercal Granulomas From Tuberculomas. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab427. [PMID: 34557561 PMCID: PMC8454506 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with enhancing brain parenchymal lesions, parenchymal neurocysticercosis (pNCC) is often difficult to distinguish from tuberculoma, necessitating biopsy or empirical therapy. METHODS In a prospective study, peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from patients with definitive pNCC (n = 39) and brain tuberculomas (n = 20). Patients with tuberculomas were diagnosed by the presence of concurrent systemic tuberculosis (n = 7), pathological or bacteriological confirmation (n = 5), and resolution of typical brain lesions following a therapeutic trial of antituberculous therapy (n = 8). Expressions of 14 NCC-associated monocyte genes were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and analyzed for diagnostic usefulness between the 2 groups. RESULTS Expression of 7 genes (TAX1BP1, RAP1A, PLCG2, TOR3A, GBP1P1, LRRFIP2, and FEZ2) was significantly higher in pNCC patients than in tuberculoma patients, with TAX1BP1 and RAP1A expressions more than 22- and 5-fold higher in pNCC patients. TAX1BP1 had the highest sensitivity of 66.7% at a specificity of 100% in discriminating pNCC from tuberculoma. A combination of TAX1BP1 and RAP1A increased the sensitivity to 84.6%, and including GBP1P1 with TAX1BP1 and RAP1A further increased sensitivity to 87.2% while maintaining specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS Expression of a panel of genes in blood monocytes distinguishes pNCC from brain tuberculomas in patients with enhancing brain lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prabhakaran Vasudevan
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Subashini Thamizhmaran
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Ranjith K Moorthy
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Anna Oommen
- Gudalur Adivasi Hospital, Gudalur, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Josephin Manoj
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Anupriya Thanigachalam
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Douglas A Drevets
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Medical Services, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Hélène Carabin
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
- Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP) de l’Université de Montréal et du CIUSS du Centre Sud de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Groupe de Recherche en Épidémiologie des Zoonoses et Santé Publique (GREZOSP), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vedantam Rajshekhar
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamilnadu, India
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Presentations and outcomes of central nervous system TB in a UK cohort: The high burden of neurological morbidity. J Infect 2020; 82:90-97. [PMID: 33137354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2020.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most data for Central Nervous System Tuberculosis (CNS-TB) derive from high-incidence, resource-limited countries. We sought to determine the presentation, management and outcomes of CNS-TB in a low-incidence setting with accessible healthcare. METHODS We undertook a retrospective, observational study of CNS-TB in adults at a single tertiary-referral London hospital (2001-2017). Cases were categorised as either TB meningitis (TBM) or TB mass lesions without meningitis (TBML), applying novel criteria for definite, probable, and possible TBML. RESULTS We identified sixty-two cases of TBM (37% definite; 31% probable; 32% possible) alongside 14 TBML cases (36% definite; 29% probable; and 36% possible). Clinical presentation was highly variable. Among CSF parameters, hypoglycorrhachia proved most discriminatory for "definite" TBM. Neurosurgical intervention was required for mass-effect or hydrocephalus in 16%. Mortality was higher in TBM versus TBML (16% vs. 0%) but overall morbidity was significant; 33% of TBM and 29% of TBML survivors suffered persisting neurological disability at 12-months. In TBM, hydrocephalus, infarct, basal enhancement and low CSF white cell count were independently associated with worse neurological outcomes. CONCLUSION Although mortality was lower than previously reported in other settings, morbidity was significant, highlighting the need for improved CNS-TB diagnostics, therapeutics and interventions to mitigate neurological sequelae.
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Role of Surgery in Intracranial Tuberculomas and Proposal of a Novel Diagnostic Criteria for Diagnosis (Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences Criteria). World Neurosurg 2020; 138:e52-e65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.01.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Marais S, Van Toorn R, Chow FC, Manesh A, Siddiqi OK, Figaji A, Schoeman JF, Meintjes G. Management of intracranial tuberculous mass lesions: how long should we treat for? Wellcome Open Res 2020; 4:158. [PMID: 32047859 PMCID: PMC6996525 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15501.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculous intracranial mass lesions are common in settings with high tuberculosis (TB) incidence and HIV prevalence. The diagnosis of such lesions, which include tuberculoma and tuberculous abscesses, is often presumptive and based on radiological features, supportive evidence of TB elsewhere and response to TB treatment. However, the treatment response is unpredictable, with lesions frequently enlarging paradoxically or persisting for many years despite appropriate TB treatment and corticosteroid therapy. Most international guidelines recommend a 9-12 month course of TB treatment for central nervous system TB when the infecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( M.tb) strain is sensitive to first-line drugs. However, there is variation in opinion and practice with respect to the duration of TB treatment in patients with tuberculomas or tuberculous abscesses. A major reason for this is the lack of prospective clinical trial evidence. Some experts suggest continuing treatment until radiological resolution of enhancing lesions has been achieved, but this may unnecessarily expose patients to prolonged periods of potentially toxic drugs. It is currently unknown whether persistent radiological enhancement of intracranial tuberculomas after 9-12 months of treatment represents active disease, inflammatory response in a sterilized lesion or merely revascularization. The consequences of stopping TB treatment prior to resolution of lesional enhancement have rarely been explored. These important issues were discussed at the 3 rd International Tuberculous Meningitis Consortium meeting. Most clinicians were of the opinion that continued enhancement does not necessarily represent treatment failure and that prolonged TB therapy was not warranted in patients presumably infected with M.tb strains susceptible to first-line drugs. In this manuscript we highlight current medical treatment practices, benefits and disadvantages of different TB treatment durations and the need for evidence-based guidelines regarding the treatment duration of patients with intracranial tuberculous mass lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzaan Marais
- Department of Neurology, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4091, South Africa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Ronald Van Toorn
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Felicia C. Chow
- Weill Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Neurology and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94110, USA
| | - Abi Manesh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004, India
| | - Omar K. Siddiqi
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Anthony Figaji
- Division of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Johan F. Schoeman
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
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Marais S, Van Toorn R, Chow FC, Manesh A, Siddiqi OK, Figaji A, Schoeman JF, Meintjes G. Management of intracranial tuberculous mass lesions: how long should we treat for? Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:158. [PMID: 32047859 PMCID: PMC6996525 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15501.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculous intracranial mass lesions are common in settings with high tuberculosis (TB) incidence and HIV prevalence. The diagnosis of such lesions, which include tuberculoma and tuberculous abscesses, is often presumptive and based on radiological features, supportive evidence of TB elsewhere and response to TB treatment. However, the treatment response is unpredictable, with lesions frequently enlarging paradoxically or persisting for many years despite appropriate TB treatment and corticosteroid therapy. Most international guidelines recommend a 9-12 month course of TB treatment for central nervous system TB when the infecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis ( M.tb) strain is sensitive to first-line drugs. However, there is variation in opinion and practice with respect to the duration of TB treatment in patients with tuberculomas or tuberculous abscesses. A major reason for this is the lack of prospective clinical trial evidence. Some experts suggest continuing treatment until radiological resolution of enhancing lesions has been achieved, but this may unnecessarily expose patients to prolonged periods of potentially toxic drugs. It is currently unknown whether persistent radiological enhancement of intracranial tuberculomas after 9-12 months of treatment represents active disease, inflammatory response in a sterilized lesion or merely revascularization. The consequences of stopping TB treatment prior to resolution of lesional enhancement have rarely been explored. These important issues were discussed at the 3 rd International Tuberculous Meningitis Consortium meeting. Most clinicians were of the opinion that continued enhancement does not necessarily represent treatment failure and that prolonged TB therapy was not warranted in patients presumably infected with M.tb strains susceptible to first-line drugs. In this manuscript we highlight current medical treatment practices, benefits and disadvantages of different TB treatment durations and the need for evidence-based guidelines regarding the treatment duration of patients with intracranial tuberculous mass lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzaan Marais
- Department of Neurology, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4091, South Africa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Ronald Van Toorn
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Felicia C. Chow
- Weill Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Neurology and Division of Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, California, 94110, USA
| | - Abi Manesh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 632004, India
| | - Omar K. Siddiqi
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Anthony Figaji
- Division of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Johan F. Schoeman
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
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Marais S, Van Toorn R, Chow FC, Manesh A, Siddiqi OK, Figaji A, Schoeman JF, Meintjes G. Management of intracranial tuberculous mass lesions: how long should we treat for? Wellcome Open Res 2019. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15501.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculous intracranial mass lesions are common in settings with high tuberculosis (TB) incidence and HIV prevalence. The diagnosis of such lesions, which include tuberculoma and tuberculous abscesses, is often presumptive and based on radiological features, supportive evidence of TB elsewhere and response to TB treatment. However, the treatment response is unpredictable, with lesions frequently enlarging paradoxically or persisting for many years despite appropriate TB treatment and corticosteroid therapy. Most international guidelines recommend a 9-12 month course of TB treatment for central nervous system TB when the infecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) strain is sensitive to first-line drugs. However, there is variation in opinion and practice with respect to the duration of TB treatment in patients with tuberculomas or tuberculous abscesses. A major reason for this is the lack of prospective clinical trial evidence. Some experts suggest continuing treatment until radiological resolution of enhancing lesions has been achieved, but this may unnecessarily expose patients to prolonged periods of potentially toxic drugs. It is currently unknown whether persistent radiological enhancement of intracranial tuberculomas after 9-12 months of treatment represents active disease, inflammatory response in a sterilized lesion or merely revascularization. The consequences of stopping TB treatment prior to resolution of lesional enhancement have rarely been explored. These important issues were discussed at the 3rd International Tuberculous Meningitis Consortium meeting. Most clinicians were of the opinion that continued enhancement does not necessarily represent treatment failure and that prolonged TB therapy was not warranted in patients presumably infected with M.tb strains susceptible to first-line drugs. In this manuscript we highlight current medical treatment practices, benefits and disadvantages of different TB treatment durations and the need for evidence-based guidelines regarding the treatment duration of patients with intracranial tuberculous mass lesions.
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