A population-based study of children with cerebral tuberculosis in New South Wales.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence of childhood cerebral tuberculosis (tuberculous meningitis [TBM] and tuberculoma) in a defined population.


METHODS
Retrospective, population-based study.


METHODS
All resident children aged up to 14 years in New South Wales diagnosed with cerebral tuberculosis, from 1982 to 1996.


METHODS
Population-based incidence of childhood TBM.


RESULTS
10 children with TBM and one with tuberculoma were identified in the 15 years. The incidence of TBM was 0.053 (95% CI, 0.025-0.097) per 100,000. Eight of the 10 TBM patients were born in Australia and five were of white European origin. Only one had been vaccinated with BCG vaccine. Three of the children died.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of childhood TBM in New South Wales is low, and comparable with that in other First World countries.
Arestis
N
N
Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Sydney, NSW.
Tham
Y J
YJ
McIntyre
P B
PB
Isaacs
D
D
Palasanthiran
P
P
Ferguson
J K
JK
Wilkinson
I
I
Dawson
D
D
Christensen
A J
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014375:Tuberculoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D014390:Tuberculosis, Meningeal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*