Paediatrica Indonesiana
Vol. 66 No. 1 (2026): January 2026

Risk factors for mortality in pediatric tuberculous meningoencephalitis

Rahmayanti Rahmayanti (Faculty of Medicine Syiah Kuala University)
Nora Sovira (Department of Paediatric Syiah Kuala University)
Anidar Anidar (Department of Paediatric Syiah Kuala University)
Sulaiman Yusuf (Department of Paediatric Syiah Kuala University)
Syafruddin Haris (Department of Paediatric Syiah Kuala University)
Jufitriani Ismy (Department of Paediatric Syiah Kuala University)



Article Info

Publish Date
09 Mar 2026

Abstract

Background Tuberculous meningoencephalitis mortality rates remain high. The prognosis of tuberculous meningoencephalitis depends greatly on the timing of diagnosis, therapeutic response, clinical presentation, and resulting complications. Objective To identify the most significant risk factors associated with mortality in children diagnosed with tuberculous meningoencephalitis at Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh. Methods This retrospective cohort study included pediatric patients diagnosed with tuberculous meningoencephalitis who were hospitalized at Zainoel Abidin General Hospital from January 2023 to December 2024. Data were collected from the medical records of 50 children who met the study criteria. Potential risk factors analyzed included decreased consciousness (GCS ≤12), hyponatremia, status epilepticus, hydrocephalus, and lack of BCG vaccination.  Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and logistic regression tests. Results Of the 50 subjects, 60% were male, 46% were aged between 12 and 59 months, and 40% had good nutritional status. The overall mortality rate was 44%. Among the patients, 74% had a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score ≤12, 52% presented with hyponatremia, 62% had status epilepticus, 66% developed hydrocephalus, and 72% had not received BCG vaccination. Bivariate analysis showed significant positive associations between mortality and GCS ≤12 (P=0.036), hydrocephalus (P=0.017), and lack of BCG vaccination (P=0.020). Multivariate analysis revealed that decreased consciousness (GCS ≤12) was the strongest predictor of mortality, with an odds ratio (OR) of 11.269 (95%CI 1.724–73.639; P=0.011). Conclusion Decreased consciousness, hydrocephalus, and lack of BCG vaccination are significantly associated with mortality in children with tuberculous meningoencephalitis. A GCS score of ≤12 is the most influential risk factor.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

paediatrica-indonesiana

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Paediatrica Indonesiana is a medical journal devoted to the health, in a broad sense, affecting fetuses, infants, children, and adolescents, belonged to the Indonesian Pediatric Society. Its publications are directed to pediatricians and other medical practitioners or researchers at all levels of ...