Undernutrition as Risk Factor of Hydrocephalus Prevalence in Children with Tuberculous Meningitis
Abstract: Hydrocephalus is the
most frequent neurological complication in children with tuberculous
meningitis. Tuberculosis infection cannot be separated from nutritional status.
Children with undernutrition have decreased immunity thus could affect clinical
manifestation of tuberculous meningitis. This study was conducted to identify
the relationship between undernutrition and the prevalence of hydrocephalus in
tuberculous meningitis.
Methods: An analytic observational study was carried out to 38 medical
records of children with tuberculous meningitis in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General
Hospital from 2007 to 2015. Variables that were studied included gender, age,
advanced stage of disease, motoric paralysis, history of seizure, nutritional
status and hydrocephalus. The collected data were analyzed using Chi-Square
test.
Results: Out of 21 subjects with undernutrition, 11 subjects were found
to have hydrocephalus. The analysis using chi-square was statistically
significant (p=0.009). Prevalence ratio=4.45 (CI 95% 1.14−45.43), meaning
tuberculous meningitis children with undernutrition were at risk of
hydrocephalus 4.45 times greater than children with normal nutritional status.
Conclusions: Undernutrition may increase the risk of hydrocephalus in
children with tuberculous meningitis.
Keywords: Hydrocephalus,
nutritional status, tuberculousmeningitis, undernutrition
Author: John Patria Maruli
Sinaga, Nelly Amalia Risan, Uni Gamayani
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170102
