The use of dexamethasone in preventing ocular complications in tuberculous meningitis.

Twenty-seven patients with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) were treated with ethambutol, isonicotinic acid hydrazide, streptomycin and dexamethasone and 28 were treated with triple anti-tuberculous drugs only. Only two of the patients to whom steroids were given developed ocular complications as compared to seven of those not receiving dexamethasone. High dose dexamethasone apparently prevents optic atrophy in TBM. Controlled double-blind studies with and without dexamethasone are needed to confirm this postulation.