Intensified Treatment of Tuberculous Meningitis in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains the deadliest form of tuberculosis. Inadequate penetration of rifampicin and ethambutol into the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may contribute to mortality. Over the last decade, research has focused on "intensified" treatment (higher-dose first-line drugs or addition of second-line drugs with good CSF penetration). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the impact of intensified TBM treatment on mortality, disability, and safety.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted of clinical trials examining intensified TBM treatments compared with a rifampicin-based standard-of-care regimen in adults. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a random-effects model with mortality as the primary outcome, with

SUBMITTER: Llamas-Lopez A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12502660 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature