Tuberculous meningitis in childhood.

The 43 cases of tuberculous meningitis treated at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, over the 15-year period from January, 1954, to December, 1969, are reviewed in detail. With "triple drug" antituberculosis therapy, 19 patients made a full recovery and seven died. Of the other 17, 11 had major permanent sequelae. There was a strong correlation between the patient's state of consciousness at the time antituberculosis therapy was commenced and the ultimate result. Suggestions are made on how the mortality and morbidity can be reduced.