The international journal of tuberculosis and lung disease : the official journal of the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease
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Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · Apr 2011
ReviewEvidence for promoting fixed-dose combination drugs in tuberculosis treatment and control: a review.
Uptake of fixed-dosed combinations (FDCs) of anti-tuberculosis drugs remains low worldwide, despite decades of recommendations. FDCs are thought to be important tools for tuberculosis (TB) control and drug resistance (DR) prevention. However, evidence relating to this is limited. ⋯ This hypothesis has been proved with relation to similar sputum conversion, cure and relapse rates in a range of studies over the last 20 years using FDCs of two, three and four anti-tuberculosis drugs. However, one of the most relevant features of FDCs, the prevention of DR, has been addressed in only one study. Nevertheless, based on their similar efficacy, user-friendliness, lower costs, and operational and logistical advantages, generalised use of FDCs should continue to be recommended.
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Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · Apr 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialImpact of antibiotic prophylaxis on postbronchoscopy fever: a randomised controlled study.
Postbronchoscopy fever can develop in 5-16% of adult patients. The microbiological contribution to postbronchoscopy fever is unclear. ⋯ Prophylactic antibiotics before bronchoscopy did not reduce the frequency of postbronchoscopy fever and did not affect serum levels of pyrogenic cytokines. These findings suggest that microbiological factors may not be responsible for the development of postbronchoscopy fever.
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Male doctors in China have a high rate of smoking (41%). Smoke-free policies and help in quitting smoking in health care facilities would improve the health of staff and patients, and reduce smoking among doctors. ⋯ Many provinces, municipalities and cities are working towards meeting the 2011 deadline imposed by the Ministry of Health and other health authorities for all health care facilities and organisations to be smoke free. Government and non-government funding is supporting this initiative.
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Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · Apr 2011
The impact of previous tuberculosis history on T-SPOT.TB® interferon-gamma release assay results.
Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, a tertiary referral hospital in Korea. ⋯ T-SPOT.TB has a limited role in the diagnosis of TB infection in individuals with a previous history of TB.