To Test the Applicability of Modified Ahuja Criteria in Early Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis in Children

Objective: To test the applicability of modified Ahuja criteria in early diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in children. Patients and methods: This was a cross section study conducted in the Pediatrics Medicine Department, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta from November 2011 to Novermber 2012. One hundred patients suspected of tuberculous meningitis were selected, between the ages of 6 months to 16 years. Those included had history of contact of tuberculosis in the family, headache and fever for >2 weeks, fits/SOMI for >4 weeks, cerebrospinal fluid suggestive of tuberculous meningitis and were subjected to Mantoux test regardless of Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) scar. The validity of criteria was tested against polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and response to treatment. The sensitivity and specificity of the criteria was calculated. Results: One hundred patients were included in the study and were subjected to Ahuja criteria. PCR performed in all patients and was positive in 61% of patients. Response to antituberculous drugs for one year was 82%. The sensitivity of modified Ahuja criteria was 87%, specificity 77%, positive predictive value 90% and negative predictive value was 75%. Conclusion: Modified Ahuja criteria is a good screening test in the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.