OBJECTIVE: Childhood tuberculosis is a public health problem with tuberculous meningitis as a serious complication with high mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors associated with mortality of tuberculous meningitis in children
METHODS: A crosssectional study reviewed all children below 18 years old, diagnosed with tuberculous meningitis during January 2016 - December 2018 in Dr.Soetomo Academic General Hospital. Diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis in child was based on clinical finding and supported by cerebrospinal fluid analysis and head CT Scan examination. Nutritional status was determined by WHO and CDC growth charts. The factors analyzed were age, nutritional status, tuberculosis contact, BCG status, HIV infection and stage of tuberculous meningitis. Chi-square test were used to identify the risk factors with P < 0,05 considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: A total of 38 children were evaluated: 16/38 more than 5 years old, 21/38 with severe and moderate malnutrition, 28/38 have been BCG vaccinated, 3/38 with HIV infection and  21/38  in 3rd stage of tuberculous meningitis. Clinical outcomes of the patient were 17/38 patient died. Age, nutritional status, tuberculosis contact, BCG status and HIV infection were not significantly related with mortality of tuberculous meningitis in children. The factor associated with mortality of tuberculous meningitis was stage of tuberculous meningitis (OR 51.2; 95%CI; 5.36 to 488.73; P < 0,05) and all children with HIV infection died.
CONCLUSIONS: Risk factor of mortality in children with tuberculous meningitis is the stage of tuberculous meningitis, mainly in children with HIV infection.