Thwaites and Marais scores are suggested as first-line TBM screening tests

What the study found: Thwaites (2002) and Marais (2010) are suggested as first-line screening tests for tuberculous meningitis (TBM), which is tuberculosis infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord, because they had high sensitivities and were extensively externally validated.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors conclude that clinicians should consider using scores that are specific to their patient population, suggesting that test choice may depend on the group being assessed.
What the researchers tested: This article is a systematic review of clinical scoring systems used to diagnose TBM. The abstract identifies Thwaites (2002) and Marais (2010) as the scores emphasized in the review.
What worked and what didn't: The abstract states that Thwaites (2002) and Marais (2010) had high sensitivities and extensive external validation. No other scoring systems or comparative performance details are provided in the abstract.
What to keep in mind: The available summary does not describe study limitations, specific patient groups, or detailed methods beyond the review design.

Key points

• Thwaites (2002) and Marais (2010) are suggested as first-line screening tests for TBM.
• The abstract cites high sensitivity for both scores.
• The scores were described as having extensive external validation.
• The authors say clinicians should consider scores specific to their patient population.
• No detailed limitations or methods are described in the available abstract.