A therapeutic regimen for tuberculous meningitis.

The results of treatment of tuberculous meningitis in Highland Alameda County Hospital, since the advent of streptomycin, in 34 cases were: dead, 21 patients, or 61 per cent; alive, 10 patients, or 29 per cent. Three cases were excluded from the ultimate report due to inadequate follow-up. The mean survival time of the ten survivors at the time of report was 35 months, the longest being 74 months. THE COMPOSITE RESULTS OF TREATMENT ELSEWHERE, AS REPORTED IN THE LITERATURE, HAVE BEEN: dead, 892, or 59 per cent; alive, 629, or 41 per cent. The pathogenesis of the disease and the effects of chemotherapy are discussed.A therapeutic regimen for tuberculous meningitis is presented, which has been used at Highland Hospital since INH became established as the most effective component in the combined chemotherapeutic attack on the disease.