A population-based study of children with cerebral tuberculosis in New South Wales.

Med J Aust · 1999

retrospective_cohort · Level III

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of childhood cerebral tuberculosis (tuberculous meningitis [TBM] and tuberculoma) in a defined population. DESIGN: Retrospective, population-based study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: All resident children aged up to 14 years in New South Wales diagnosed with cerebral tuberculosis, from 1982 to 1996. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: 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.