title: Diagnostic and prognostic value of bromide partition test in tuberculous meningitis.
abstract: Bromide partition ratio was determined in 32 cases of tuberculous meningitis, 6 pyogenic meningitis, 8 viral meningitis and 9 cases of febrile convulsions. Bromide partition ratio below the critical value of 1.6 was present in 30 out of 32 tuberculous meningitis patients (93.74%) whereas all the control children had a ratio above 1.6. Two children who were on regular chemotherapy showed progressively rising ratio. It is concluded that in doubtful cases with inconclusive CSF picture, a low bromide partition ratio is a strong reason for starting antituberculous treatment without any delay. A very low ratio also suggests poor prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Dr. V.M. Medical College, Solapur, Maharashtra.
authors.forename: S L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Bayas
authors.forename: V L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Chandak
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Ghate
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001965:Bromides / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008581:Meningitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D003294:Seizures, Febrile / Q000175:diagnosis; D012964:Sodium / Q000032:analysis; D017670:Sodium Compounds; D014390:Tuberculosis, Meningeal / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D001965:Bromides; D017670:Sodium Compounds; D012964:Sodium; C027938:sodium bromide