title: Directly observed treatment, short course in tuberculous meningitis: Indian perspective.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Effectiveness of intermittent short course chemotherapy for tuberculous meningitis (TBM) has not been well studied. There are scarce reported studies on this issue in the world literature. Neurologists all over India are reluctant to accept Directly Observed Treatment Short course (DOTS) for TBM since its introduction in India.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We did a prospective study to assess effectiveness of Revised National TB Control Program (RNTCP-DOTS) regimes among TBM patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study we include the TBM patients admitted from September 2008 to March 2011. All were referred to RNTCP for treatment. Diagnostic Algorithm as per RNTCP guidelines was strictly followed and treatment outcome and follow-up status were recorded. We exclude HIV and pediatric age group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 42 cases registered for DOTS regimen were included in the study, of which 35 completed the treatment (83%). All the patients were started with DOTS but finally 78% received actual DOTS. All patients were given 9 months intermitted regimen as per RNTCP guidelines. Seven patients died during the treatment (16%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found intermitted short course chemotherapy was effective in TBM.
authors: Department of Neurology, NEIGRIHMS, North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (An Autonomous Institute, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India, Shillong, India).
authors: Shri Ram
authors: SR
authors: Sharma
authors: Kyrshang G
authors: KG
authors: Lynrah
authors: Nalini
authors: N
authors: Sharma
authors: Monaliza
authors: M
authors: Lyngdoh
keywords: Directly observed treatment short; Intermitted therapy; tuberculous meningitis
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