Tuberculosis Meningitis: An Exploration of Cerebrospinal Fluid Biochemical Markers and Their Correlation with Gender and Age

Abstract

The study evaluated the correlational barriers of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biochemical markers of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) with gender in patients) at General Hospital Lahore. This study was conducted between the period of January 2024 and June 2025. It constituted 120 participants, with 68 male and 52 female participants. Significant differences were observed between genders: males had higher mean protein levels (126 mg/dL) than females (99 mg/dL, p < 0.001); meanwhile, females had lower glucose (34 mg/dL) as compared to that of males (47 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Chloride levels also showed a difference with male reading (118 mmol/L) versus female (109 mmol/L, p = 0.003). Lymphocyte predominance (86%) remained constant for both sexes. These findings were also validated statistically using t-tests and regression models, hence establishing the need for different diagnostic cut-offs based on sex. Limitations were encountered with this being a single-center study, thus necessitating multicentric research to validate the findings.