Difficultés diagnostiques de la tuberculose cérébrale / Diagnostic difficulties of cerebral tuberculosis

La tuberculose est une des maladies infectieuses les plus répandues dans le monde .Elle représente un problème de santé publique majeur dans les pays en voie de développe ment, y compris l'Algérie . À l'échelle mondiale et parmi tous les cas de tuberculose, l'OMS rapporte 14 % de tuberculose extra-pulmonaire (TEP) sans atteinte pulmonaire concomitante. Dans notre pays et durant ces dernières années, une recrudescence de la tuberculose extrapulmonaire a été observée. L'objectif de cet article était de présenter un cas atypique de tuberculose cérébrale dont le diagnostic a été tardif, posé par l'examen anatomopathologique avec une revue de la littérature. C'est le cas d'une jeune patiente hospitalisée dans le cadre de l'urgence pour un syn drome d'hypertension intracrânienne avec troubles neurologiques. La tomodensitomé trie cérébrale a objectivé de multiples localisations cérébrales avec une hydrocéphalie active. Le bilan d'extension était sans anomalie. La patiente avait bénéficié d'une inter vention chirurgicale, les suites opératoires ont été favorables. L'examen anatomo-pa thologique était en faveur d'une lésion inflammatoire spécifique granulomateuse faite de larges plages de nécrose caséeuse. La patiente a répondu au traitement antituber culeux. Le problème diagnosticque et les résultats seront discutés avec une revue de la littéra ture. La tuberculose cérébrale est une forme rare de la tuberculose extra-pulmonaire. Le tableau clinique ainsi que la neuro-imagerie (TDM, IRM) sont atypiques. Le diagnostic était postopératoire, reposant sur l'examen anatomopathologique. Le pronostic dépend de la précocité du diagnostic, du siège de la lésion et de la réponse au traitement antituberculeux.

Tuberculosis is one of the most widespread infectious diseases in the world. It constitutes a major public health problem, especially in developing countries, including Algeria. Globally and among all tuberculosis cases, WHO reports 14% extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (EPT) without concomitant pulmonary involvement. In our country and in recent years, an upsurge in extrapulmonary tuberculosis has been observed. The objective of this article was to present an atypical case of cerebral tuberculosis whose diagnosis was late, made by anatomopathological examination with a review of the literature. We report the case of a young patient hospitalized in emergency for an intracranial hypertension syndrome with neurological disorders. Cerebral computed tomography revealed multiple brain locations with active hydrocephalus. The extension assessment was without anomaly. The patient underwent a surgical intervention, the operative consequences were favorable. The pathological examination was in favor of a specific inflammatory granulomatous lesion made up of large areas of caseous necrosis. The patient was cured under anti-tuberculosis treatment. The diagnostic problem and the results will be discussed with a review of the literature. Cerebral tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The clinic as well as the neuroimaging (CT, MRI) are atypical. The diagnosis is postoperative, based on the pathological examination. The prognosis depends on the early diagnosis, the site of the lesion and the response to anti-tuberculosis treatment.

Nutritional status of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and anti-tuberculosis treatment effect / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective To investigate the nutritional status of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and its effects on conventional anti-tuberculosis treatment, so as to provide a basis for improving the efficacy of conventional treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods The relevant data of 168 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to Suining Central Hospital from April 2020 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Nutritional status of the patients before treatment was investigated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score, and the influencing factors of nutritional status before treatment were analyzed. Therapeutic effects of anti-tuberculosis drugs in the non-nutritional risk group and the nutritional risk group were comparatively analyzed. Results Among the 168 patients, 64 were assessed as having good nutritional status before treatment, 59 had the risk of malnutrition and 45 were malnourished according to the MNA score. Univariate analysis and linear regression analysis showed that age, underlying diseases, and clinical symptoms were factors affecting the MNA score before treatment (t=3.173, 3.718, 2.018, P all<0.05); whereas gender and education level were not factors affecting MNA score before treatment (t=0.065, 0.059, P all>0.05). According to the MNA score before treatment, the patients were dividedinto a non-nutritional risk group (MNA score > 23.5) and a nutritional risk group (MNA score ≤23.5). The negative conversion rate of sputum bacteria, effective rate of focal absorption in the non-nutritional risk group were 92.19% (59/64)and90.63% (58/64) , respectively, which were significantly higher than corresponding 79.85% (82/104)and76.92% (80/104) in the nutritional risk group. The drug resistance rate, adverse reaction rate, and average treatment cost of the no nutritional risk group and nutritional risk group were 7.81% (5/64) and 21.15% (12/104), 15.63% (10/64) and 31.73% (33/104), (0.62±0.13) million yuan and (0.89±0.26) million yuan, respectively, with significant differences (χ2=5.228, 5.071, 7.685, 5.396, 7.728, P all<0.05). Conclusions Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis exhibit poor nutritional status before treatment. The patients’nutritional status is easily affected by age, underlying diseases, and clinical symptoms, thereby affecting the effect of anti-tuberculosis treatment. Therefore, early nutritional intervention for tuberculosis patients should be recommended in order to prevent malnutrition and enhance the effectiveness of anti-tuberculosis treatment.

Assessment of adherence to anti tuberculosis medication for successful implementation of revised national tuberculosis programme at a tertiary care hospital, Shimoga: a cross-sectional observational study

Background: This study assessed level of non-adherence to anti tuberculosis (TB) therapy among pulmonary TB patients, compares various factors among adherent and non-adherent TB patients, stressing on reasons for non-adherence at a tertiary care hospital.Methods: This institution based observational and cross-sectional study was conducted interviewing patients with pulmonary TB and assessed using Moriskys medication adherence scale-8 (MMAS-8), a pre- tested structured questionnaire based scoring system of patients treated for pulmonary TB at district TB centre SIMS, Shimoga. Descriptive statistics were employed.Results: Among 70 cases analysed, 57 were males and 13 females, with mean age group of 41.32�63 and mean MMAS score of 2.23�87. 53.33% patients were on continuous phase of treatment. The level of non-adherence were as follows, high= 18%, medium= 38% and low= 44%. The common cause for non-adherence was forgetfulness (66%) reasons being: betterment of symptoms (54%), sickness after taking medication (31%), distance of travel: far (15%). Many were labourers (62%), with low literacy rate, also chronic alcoholics (72%) and smokers (73%). Female with moderate literacy and not addicted to alcohol/smoking showed high adherence compared to males (p<0.05%).Conclusions: As prevalence of non-adherence is high, especially Patients on continuous phase of TB treatment, there arises immense need for continuous and effective health education to patients� and their family regarding the adverse effects and the need for high level of adherence to treatment for the complete cure of disease. Patients who are addicted to alcohol/smoking should be targeted with interventions to quit the same, provide free transport facility to RNTCP centres and prompt treatment of ADR, will improve adherence to medication.

Evaluation of Effect of Antitubercular Drugs on Thyroid Profile in Euthyroid Individuals

Background: India is the highest TB burden country in the world and Tuberculosis being a systemic disease, it has capacity forwide spread dissemination. Some studies done in the past provided variable evidences suggesting Thyroid dysfunction can occurfollowing antitubercular therapy, hence we have taken up this study. Methods: 50 freshly detected pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases were included in this study. Plasma levels of T3, T4 and TSH was measured before initiating Antituberculosis treatment (ATT) and repeated at the end of 6 months. Results: Post treatment 2(4%) subjects had change in T3 levelabove the normal reference range, no changes observed in T4 levels after the treatment. Post treatment 1(2%) subject had TSH of<0.3 Μiu/ml indicating transition in to the hyperthyroid range, majority i.e. 32(64%) subjects had TSH level within normalreference range, whereas 17(34%) subjects had TSH level above the normal reference range falling into Subclinical Hypothyroidrange. Conclusion: The common Thyroid Dysfunction seen during the study period was Hypothyroidism. Anti-tubercularmedication preferably Rifampicin probably would explain the cause for these thyroid dysfunctions noticed during the study time.

Effect of anti-tuberculosis treatment on thyroid profile in newly detected smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases

Background: Tuberculosis being a systemic disease and has a capacity for wide spread dissemination. Present study aims to identify the effects of antituberculous treatment on thyroid profile in new smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases.Methods: This study was conducted among 60 new smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis cases attending pulmonary medicine OPD from May 2015 to April 2017. Thyroid function test in the form of free T3, free T4 and TSH was measured before initiating Anti tuberculosis treatment (ATT), at 3 months and at the end of 6 months.Results: Out of 60 patients enrolled in present study, majority were males. Diabetes mellitus was the major co morbidity. Sick euthyroid was found to have decreasing trend during the course of treatment, and hypothyroidism was found to be increasing trend end of 6 months.Conclusions: The common Thyroid Dysfunction seen during the study period was Hypothyroidism and Sick euthyroid. Anti-tuberculous medication preferably Rifampicin probably would explain the cause for these thyroid dysfunctions noticed during the study time. And those patients with significant hypothyroid need to started on thyroid supplements. Among the drugs used for treatment, rifampicin was probably the cause for thyroid dysfunction noticed during the course of treatment. Hence, authors recommend that these patients should be started on thyroid supplements after the diagnosis of significant hypothyroidism.

Splenic tuberculosis caused by hematogenous pulmonary tuberculosis: a case report and literature review / 中国感染与化疗杂志

Objective To understand the clinical features of splenic tuberculosis. Methods The clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, treatment outcomes of a case of splenic tuberculosis caused by hematogenous pulmonary tuberculosis were analyzed. Related literatures about splenic tuberculosis were also reviewed. Results The patient was a 19-year-old male. Cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss were the main manifestations. Thoracoscopy revealed tuberculosis and imaging suggested splenic tuberculosis and tuberculosis in multiple body sites. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was effective in improving patient conditions. According to literature review, there are two types of splenic tuberculosis: primary splenic tuberculosis or as part of hematogenous pulmonary tuberculosis.The clinical manifestations of primary splenic tuberculosis are usually atypical. Immune deficiency is a significant risk factor of splenic tuberculosis. The main clinical manifestations of splenic tuberculosis are splenomegaly, fever, digestive system symptoms, and occasionally spontaneous splenic rupture (3/32). Most of the patients with splenic tuberculosis (28/32) were cured or improved by anti-tuberculosis treatment and/or splenectomy. Conclusions The onset of splenic tuberculosis is mostly insidious and clinical symptoms usually atypical. The diagnosis relies on radiographic findings, biopsy and pathological examination. Anti-tuberculosis and selective splenectomy are the effective treatment. The outcome of splenic tuberculosis is good in most patients.

Effect of anti-tuberculosis treatment in tuberculosis patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus in seven counties, Yunnan / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To understand the potential risk factors influencing the effect of standard anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment for TB patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and provide evidence for the improvement of anti TB therapy.Methods A retrospective study was conducted among 445 TB/HIV patients diagnosed and registered in 7 counties in Yunnan province from January 2010 to June 2012.A structured questionnaire was used to collect the patients' demographic characteristics,diagnosis and treatment information after informed consent.Chi-square test was conducted to compare successful rate of anti TB treatment among the patients with different demographic characteristics.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors influencing the effect of anti TB treatment.Adjusted OR＞1 means the risk factor of treatment failure.P value less than 0.05 was set as significant level.Results After standard anti TB treatment,397 patients were cured.The five risk factors influencing treatment effect were the existing of 4 suspected TB symptoms when seeking medical care for the first time(adjusted OR=2.208),TB/HIV patients detected in HIV/AIDS screening (adjusted OR=5.856),severe case (adjusted OR=4.607),non-full-course supervision during treatment (in intensive phase adjusted OR=4.129,full-course management adjusted OR=8.090) and interruption of therapy (adjusted OR=21.517).Conclusion Early detection of TB/HIV patients and conducting full course supervision during treatment can improve the effect of anti TB treatment.It is necessary to strengthen the early detection of TB/HIV patients and standarded treatment in Yunnan province.

A Clinical Study of Post-tubercular Bronchiectasis

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most important communicable diseases in the world. India is the highest PT TB burden country accounting for one-fifth (21%) of the global incidence (9.4 million cases). This problem is further magnified by the after-effects of the disease—post-tubercular bronchiectasis (PTBX). As a result, the sufferers run from pillar to post with sinister symptomatology. Some of them are retreated with antituberculous treatment, although there is no definite indication. Katuri Medical College is situated in the rural Guntur surrounded by number of dusty industries like granite, quarrying, cotton crop and mills, tobacco, capsicum crop, spices besides being an agricultural area on the brink of mighty Krishna River flowing at a length of more than 700 km through three states of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. As a result the flora and fauna is complex. Workers in this area report with variegated granulomatous lung diseases to the faculty of Pulmonology. Over and above the incidence of smoking in both sexes is rampant. The final outcome in all these morbidities is bronchiectasis. Quite a few of them have had treatment for pulmonary TB in the past. With this background the present study was undertaken to find out the vagary of post-tubercular bronchiectasis ruling out the extrinsic atmospheric factors.

Development of Acute Respiratory Failure on Initiation of Anti-Tuberculosis Medication in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Clinical and Radiologic Features of 8 Patients and Literature Review / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory failure can occur paradoxically on initiation of anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment in patients with pulmonary TB. This study is aimed to analyze the clinical features of anti-TB treatment induced acute respiratory failure. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical and radiological characteristics of 8 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (5 men and 3 women; mean age, 55 +/- 15.5 years) who developed acute respiratory failure following initiation of anti-TB medication and thus required mechanical ventilation (MV) in the intensive care unit (ICU). RESULTS: The interval between initiation of anti-TB medication and development of MV-requiring acute respiratory failure was 2-14 days (mean, 4.4 +/- 4.39 days), and the duration of MV was 1-18 days (mean, 7.1 +/- 7.03 days). At admission, body temperature and serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein were increased. Serum levels of protein, albumin and creatinine were 5.8 +/- 0.98, 2.3 +/- 0.5 and 1.8 +/- 2.58 mg/ml, respectively. Radiographs characterized both lung involvements in all patients. Consolidation with the associated nodule was noted in 7 patients, ground glass opacity in 2, and cavitary lesion in 4. Micronodular lesion in the lungs, suggesting miliary tuberculosis lesion, was noted in 1 patient. At ICU admissions, the ranges of the APACHE II and SOFA scores were 17-38 (mean, 28.2 +/- 7.26) and 6-14 (mean, 10.1 +/- 2.74). The mean lung injury score was 2.8 +/- 0.5. Overall, 6 patients died owing to septic shock and multiorgan failure. CONCLUSIONS: On initiation of treatment for pulmonary TB, acute respiratory failure can paradoxically occur in patients with extensive lung parenchymal involvement and high mortality.

Tubercular nodular episcleritis.

A 12-year-old male child suffering from pain, redness, blurring and watering of right eye since six months was diagnosed as suffering from nodular episcleritis probably tuberculosis. Diagnosis was supported by the additional finding of enlarged cervical lymph node found on aspiration cytology. Complete resolution occurred after anti-tuberculosis therapy.

Incomplete immunological recovery following anti-tuberculosis.

Background & objectives: Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection has been shown to result in increased HIV replication and disease progression in HIV-infected individuals through increased immune activation. The objective of this study was to correlate plasma levels of immune activation markers with the presence of tuberculosis (TB) in HIV-infected and uninfected individuals, and to study the changes following anti-tuberculosis treatment. Methods: Plasma markers of immune activation - neopterin, beta-2-microglobulin (β2M) and soluble tumour necrosis factor alpha receptor type I (sTNFα-RI) were measured by ELISA in 42 HIV positive TB patients (HIV+TB+) undergoing a six-month course of TB chemotherapy. Thirty seven HIV+ persons without active TB, 38 TB patients without HIV infection, and 62 healthy volunteers served as controls. Results: Plasma levels of all three markers were elevated in HIV+ individuals, more so in those with active TB. When HIV+ individuals were further categorized based on CD4+ T cell counts, HIV+TB+ patients with CD4+ T cells counts < 200 cells/μl were found to have the highest levels at baseline with a steep fall in neopterin and sTNFα-RI during treatment, but in most instances the levels did not drop to normal. β2M levels remained persistently high despite completing TB treatment. Interpretation & conclusions: The fi ndings of the study suggest that both HIV and TB act synergistically to activate the host immune system. Although ATT was effective in clearing M. tuberculosis infection, a high proportion of HIV+ TB patients continued to have levels well above the normal range, indicating that underlying immune activation persists despite TB treatment. None of the markers were specific enough to be used to assess cure of TB.

The Influence of Adverse Drug Reactions on First-line Anti-tuberculosis Chemotherapy in the Elderly Patients / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is still common disease among the elderly patients in Korea where the overall incidence of TB is decreasing. Adverse drug reactions (ADR) associated with anti-TB drugs occurs frequently. Especially the aged tends to have more frequent ADRs than younger ones. These ADRs can cause significant morbidity, compromise therapeutic effects of drugs and even induce drug resistance. Therefore we evaluated the effect of ADRs on the first-line anti-TB drugs in elderly patients with active pulmonary TB. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts and radiological findings of the patients with 65 and older who were bacteriologically confirmed as active TB and treated with standard anti-TB drugs for at least 6 months. Major ADR was defined with temporary or continuous stop of any first-line drugs intake. RESULTS: An ADR was noted in 54% of all patients. The incidence of major ADR was 32% in all elderly patients. Dermatologic ADR (9%) was the most common among the major ADRs. GI trouble (8%), arthralgia (6%), visual change (6%), hepatotoxicity (4%), and fever (1%) were also noted. The drugs responsible for major ADR were ethambutol (62%), pyrazinamide (35%), rifampin (18%) and isoniazid (9%). Major ADRs were associated with higher ESR level at the initiation of anti-TB drugs. CONCLUSION: First-line anti-TB drugs in elderly patients frequently caused the major ADRs. Therefore the elderly patients receiving anti-TB drugs should be closely monitored and better tolerable therapy should be considered as part of a TB research agenda.

The prevalence of adverse drug reactions to a short course anti-tuberculosis regimen / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Anti-tuberculosis drugs used in combination cause adverse drug reactions, but the prevalence of the reactions and risk factors have not been determined. This study aims to identify the prevalence and risk factors of adverse drug reactions (ADR) to the use of first line anti-tuberculosis drugs. METHODS: A total of 435 newly diagnosed patients with tuberculosis (44.1 years+/-19.0 years) were eligible for this study. All patients received daily oral isoniazid (300 or 400 mg), rifampicin (450 or 600 mg) and ethambutol (800 mg) for 6 months, and pyrazinamide (20 mg/kg) for 2 months. Blood tests were performed regularly (before treatment, 2 weeks after treatment, and bimonthly there after). Patients were interviewed 2 months and 6 months after treatment. A serious ADR was defined as any ADR that resulted in the discontinuation of one or more of the drugs. RESULTS: An ADR was noted in 52.6% of all patients. Gastrointestinal (19.3%), cutaneous (17.7%), hepatic (13.8%), renal (12.6%), and neurological (10.3%) ADRs were frequent and hematological (4.4%), musculoskeletal (3.0%) ADRs were less frequent. A skin ADR was associated with an elevated baseline of liver enzymes (odds ratio, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.2 to 9.9), whereas a hepatic ADR was associated with a history of chronic liver disease (odds ratio, 4.82; 95% CI, 1.7 to 13.2). The prevalence of any serious ADR was 9.7%. Occurrence of any serious ADR was associated with a history of chronic liver disease (odds ratio, 4.29; 95% CI, 1.4 to 13.6). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-tuberculosis drugs given in combination frequently caused a ADR and the findings suggest that a patient receiving anti-tuberculosis treatment should be closely monitored.