Tuberculous meningitis in children before and since isoniazid.
The use of isoniazid (INH) in persons exposed to active cases of tuberculosis has been challenged, Reports of toxic reactions to isoniazid warrant a review of the drug's potential benefits and hazards. This prompted a retrospective survey of cases admitted to a large county hospital to determine admission incidence before and since initiation of a program of case-finding and INH chemoprophylaxis for children in 1953. During the 24-year period surveyed (1950-1973), the population of the county increased twofold while the yearly admission rate for tuberculous meningitis in children fell from a high of eight cases to a low of two. This dramatic drop in cases admitted, coupled with an absence of any toxic reactions to the drug, provides support for continuation of the program of case-finding and isoniazid chemoprophylaxis.
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007538:Isoniazid / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013781:Texas; D014374:Tuberculin Test; D014390:Tuberculosis, Meningeal / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D007538:Isoniazid