title: Tuberculous meningitis in children before and since isoniazid.
abstract: 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.
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D007538:Isoniazid