Review of lymph node biopsies: medical ward; Kamuzu Central Hospital; 1985-1988

A descriptive study of lymph node biopsies done on the medical ward of Kamuzu Central Hospital [KCH] in Lilongwe between 1985-1988 was undertaken to describe the histological diagnosis; the site of the lymph node biopsy; the sex; and age of the individual. There were 53 biopsies; 27 (51 percent) were tuberculosis [TB] adenitis; 10 (19 percent) were reactive nodes (? viral infection); 8 (15 percent) were Kaposi's Sarcoma; 7 (13 percent) were lymphoma or leukemia and one was normal. Kaposi's Sarcoma occured more significantly in males than females. TB adenitis was most frequently in the age group 21-40 years and it mostly occured in the cervical area. Further study may reveal a clinically useful relationship between lymph adenopathy; the various diagnosis and HIV status for the purposes of diagnosis and management

Factors contributing to a successful tuberculosis control programme in Malawi

A discription of the revised National Tuberculosis Programme [NTP] and the reasons for the continued improvement from year to year despite the relatively small number of core tuberculosis personnel. These factors include: political stability; pragmatic governmental policies; self-sufficiency in food; standardized tuberculosis control strategies; constant staff training and supervision; and community participation

Pulmonary tuberculosis in Malawian adults: why delay in diagnosis?

A study undertaken to determine the factors which lead to long delays between the symptoms and the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis which seems to occur in Malawi

Weight gain in African patients with pulmonary tuberculosis receiving short course chemotherapy

The weight of 100 adult African patients with a first time diagnosis of sputum-positive pulmonary tuberculosis; who received short course chemotherapy under hospital supervision; was measure at one week intervals to determine the extent of change and whether this was related to clinical features. Significant weight gain occurred at 4 weeks and again at 8 weeks and was unrelated to symptoms; duration of illness or smoking habits. In this group of patients weight gain in the first two months is a simple and useful parameter of response to chemotherapy