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Huynh J, Donovan J, Phu NH, Nghia HDT, Thuong NTT, Thwaites GE. Tuberculous meningitis: progress and remaining questions. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:450-464. [PMID: 35429482 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00435-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Tuberculous meningitis is a devastating brain infection that is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is notoriously difficult to diagnose and treat. New technologies characterising the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome have identified new molecules and pathways associated with tuberculous meningitis severity and poor outcomes that could offer novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets. The next-generation GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay, when used on CSF, offers diagnostic sensitivity for tuberculous meningitis of approximately 70%, although it is not widely available and a negative result cannot rule out tuberculous meningitis. Small trials indicate that clinical outcomes might be improved with increased doses of rifampicin, the addition of linezolid or fluoroquinolones to standard antituberculosis therapy, or treatment with adjunctive aspirin combined with corticosteroids. Large phase 3 clinical trials are underway worldwide to address these and other questions concerning the optimal management of tuberculous meningitis; these studies also form a platform for studying pathogenesis and identifying novel diagnostic and treatment strategies, by allowing the implementation of new genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic technologies in nested substudies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Huynh
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK; Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Joseph Donovan
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK; Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Hoan Phu
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK; Vietnam National University School of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ho Dang Trung Nghia
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thuy Thuong Thuong
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK; Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Guy E Thwaites
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK; Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Centre for Tropical Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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Tuberculous Meningitis in Children: Reducing the Burden of Death and Disability. Pathogens 2021; 11:pathogens11010038. [PMID: 35055986 PMCID: PMC8778027 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculous meningitis disproportionately affects young children. As the most devastating form of tuberculosis, it is associated with unacceptably high rates of mortality and morbidity even if treated. Challenging to diagnose and treat, tuberculous meningitis commonly causes long-term neurodisability in those who do survive. There remains an urgent need for strengthened surveillance, improved rapid diagnostics technology, optimised anti-tuberculosis drug therapy, investigation of new host-directed therapy, and further research on long-term functional and neurodevelopmental outcomes to allow targeted intervention. This review focuses on the neglected field of paediatric tuberculous meningitis and bridges current clinical gaps with research questions to improve outcomes from this crippling disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Simon Schaaf
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, .,Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - James A Seddon
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa, .,Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Mason S, Solomons R. CSF Metabolomics of Tuberculous Meningitis: A Review. Metabolites 2021; 11:661. [PMID: 34677376 PMCID: PMC8541251 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11100661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
From the World Health Organization's global TB report for 2020, it is estimated that in 2019 at least 80,000 children (a particularly vulnerable population) developed tuberculous meningitis (TBM)-an invariably fatal disease if untreated-although this is likely an underestimate. As our latest technologies have evolved-with the unprecedented development of the various "omics" disciplines-a mountain of new data on infectious diseases have been created. However, our knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases are still trying to keep pace. Metabolites offer much biological information, but the insights they permit can be difficult to derive. This review summarizes current metabolomics studies on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from TBM cases and collates the metabolic data reported. Collectively, CSF metabolomics studies have identified five classes of metabolites that characterize TBM: amino acids, organic acids, nucleotides, carbohydrates, and "other". Taken holistically, the information given in this review serves to promote the mechanistic action of hypothesis generation that will drive and direct future studies on TBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayne Mason
- Human Metabolomics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| | - Regan Solomons
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa;
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Saylor D. Neurologic Complications of Tuberculosis. Continuum (Minneap Minn) 2021; 27:992-1017. [PMID: 34623101 DOI: 10.1212/con.0000000000001005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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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Tucker EW, Marais S, Seddon JA, van Crevel R, Ganiem AR, Ruslami R, Zhang W, Sun F, Zhou X, Solomons RS, Cresswell FV, Wilmshurst J, Rohlwink U. International Survey Reveals Opportunities to Improve Tuberculous Meningitis Management and the Need for Standardized Guidelines. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa445. [PMID: 33209947 PMCID: PMC7652100 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a medical emergency, yet there are no standardized treatment guidelines for the medical or neurosurgical management of these patients and little data on neurocritical care. We conducted an international survey to understand current medical and neurosurgical TBM management and resource availability to provide baseline data needed for future multicenter trials addressing unanswered clinical research questions and the establishment of standardized guidelines. METHODS An online survey of 77 questions covering medical and neurosurgical TBM management aimed at clinicians/nurses treating TBM was distributed as an anonymous link through email invitation, international organizations' membership distribution, and direct links on organizational webpages or social media. The survey remained open for 5 months. Data were summarized with frequencies and percentages. RESULTS The survey had 222 responses from 43 countries representing 6 continents. Most respondents were from tertiary care facilities, with broad access to medical and neurosurgical resources. There was significant heterogeneity in general supportive care, and TBM-specific management demonstrated considerable divergence from current standard-of-care practices. The lack of standardized guidelines was identified as a major challenge in TBM management. General and neurocritical care were largely absent. Resources for bedside supportive care and noninvasive monitoring were broadly accessible. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that current TBM management could be improved by the establishment of internationally accepted treatment guidelines based on available evidence, and that numerous centers have resources available to participate in future multicenter trials, even for basic interventions, that may further improve patient outcomes globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth W Tucker
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, USA
| | - Suzaan Marais
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James A Seddon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Reinout van Crevel
- Department of Internal Medicine and Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmad Rizal Ganiem
- Department of Neurology, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Rovina Ruslami
- Department of Neurology, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Wenhong Zhang
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian Zhou
- Departments of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Regan S Solomons
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Fiona V Cresswell
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Infectious Disease Institute, Mulago College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- MRC-UVRI LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jo Wilmshurst
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Paediatric Neurology, University of Cape Town, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ursula Rohlwink
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
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