Standardized Infliximab Regimen to Treat Severe Central Nervous System Tuberculosis: A Case Series of 18 Patients

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Background: Morbidity associated with central nervous system tuberculosis (CNS TB) remains high due to persistent inflammation despite standard-of-care (SOC) treatment, including antituberculosis therapy and corticosteroids. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a key cytokine driving this inflammatory response, and a limited number of case reports suggest that TNF-α inhibitors may improve outcomes. We report the 1-year outcome of a cohort of consecutive patients treated with infliximab for severe CNS TB. Methods: Following the guidance provided by the French Tuberculosis Consilium, a standardized regimen of intravenous infliximab at 5 mg/kg per dose was used to treat CNS TB unresponsive to SOC. We retrospectively included consecutive patients who received at least 1 infliximab injection for CNS TB from 2017 to September 2021. Results: Eighteen patients with CNS TB, 94% with tuberculous meningitis, were included. Most had severe disease: 82% were classified as British Medical Research Council grade II or III, and 44% required intensive care unit admission. All demonstrated clinical and radiological worsening despite SOC; in 89% due to paradoxical reaction. At infliximab initiation, symptoms remained disabling, with a median modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 3.5 (interquartile range, 3-4). One month after the first infusion, 38% showed improved mRS scores, increasing to 78% at 1 year. One-year survival was 94%; 1 death occurred 12 months after a single infliximab dose and was unrelated to TB treatment. Conclusions: Infliximab may represent a promising adjunctive treatment for CNS TB unresponsive to SOC, including paradoxical reaction. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.