High-dose rifampicin does not improve survival in tuberculosis meningitis

High-dose rifampicin does not improve survival in tuberculosis meningitis

Each year, 11 million people worldwide develop tuberculosis, and about 1.4 million die from it. Meningitis occurs in 1–2% of patients and is the most severe complication of tuberculosis, arising when the bacteria reach the brain.

High-dose antibiotic does not reduce mortality in tuberculous meningitis, clinical trial finds

A higher dose of the antibiotic rifampicin does not improve survival rates for patients with tuberculous meningitis. This severe form of tuberculosis causes inflammation of the brain membranes, and half of the patients die. These findings come from a large international study conducted by Radboud University Medical Center and its international partners. The research has now been published in the New England Journal of Medicine.