mRNA profiling of cytokines to understand paradoxical response in HIV-uninfected tuberculous meningitis

Paradoxical reaction (PR) in tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a major management issue. We report mRNA profiling of cytokines to understand PR in HIV-uninfected TBM patients. 72 patients with TBM were included, and their clinical, MRI, and mRNA profiling of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL) 6, IL10 and interferon (IFN) γ genes in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells were done at admission and 6 weeks of antitubercular treatment. Cytokine profiling was done using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. PR was defined if repeat MRI at 6 weeks revealed new or increase in exudates, tuberculoma, hydrocephalus or infarctions. Outcome was defined at 6 months using modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and categorized as death, poor and good. 44 (61.1 %) patients had PR, and 28 (38.9 %) had paradoxical tuberculoma (PT). The expression of IL6 and TNFα genes were higher in PR and PT groups. Stage of meningitis and hydrocephalus at admission predicted PR. Patients with PR and PT had more frequently poor outcome.

About three-fifth HIV-uninfected TBM patients have PR and two-fifth have PT. Paradoxical reaction is associated with higher expression of IL6 and TNFα. Patients with severe meningitis with hydrocephalus develop PR more frequently.