Chemotherapy Induced Hepatitis In Tuberculous Meningitis : A Prospective Study Of 54 Cases

Fifty four patients of tuberculous meningitis, diagnosed by a standard protocol were followed up for a mean period of 9 months, with periodic assessment of laboratory tests for liver function. A total of 23 patients (42.6%: 10 males and 13 females) developed hepatic dysfunction and 7 of these (30.4%) developed clinical jaundice. Derangement of liver functions was noted in the first month after starting the treatment. Of the various risk factors, a low body mass index and low serum albumin were possible predictors, while presence of increased intracranial tension, previous exposure to anti-tuberculous therapy and presence of extraneural tuberculosis and tuberculous emerged as possible protective factors. Age, sex, basal metabolic rate, concurrent anticonvulsant medication, other laboratory and clinical paremeters were insignificant risk factors.