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. · May 2006
Screening for tuberculosis prior to isoniazid preventive therapy among HIV-infected gold miners in South Africa.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinic for employees of a gold mine, Free State, South Africa. ⋯ CXR greatly increased the sensitivity of screening for TB in this population. Sputum microscopy conferred no additional benefit among asymptomatic patients with a normal CXR. The high prevalence of TB amongst those with a low CD4 count underlines the importance of screening for active TB prior to commencing TB preventive therapy, and before antiretroviral therapy.
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Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · May 2006
Serum procalcitonin distinguishes CAP due to bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and PJP.
Procalcitonin (PCT), a propeptide of the hormone calcitonin, is a novel marker of the inflammatory response to infection. It has been used to discriminate between infectious and non-infectious causes of inflammation, and as a marker of severe sepsis in the intensive care unit. ⋯ PCT levels differ significantly in patients with CAP due to TB, PJP and bacteria. PCT may be important in distinguishing M. tuberculosis and PJP in a high HIV prevalence setting where atypical presentations often confound the empirical clinical diagnosis.
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Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. · Apr 2006
Comparative StudyPredictors of development and outcome in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to tuberculosis.
To study the predictors of development and determinants of outcome in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to tuberculosis (TB). ⋯ In patients with TB, prolonged illness, MTB, absolute lymphocytopaenia and elevated ALT are independently associated with ARDS development. APACHE II score, serum sodium and PaO2/FIO2 ratio are determinants of outcome.
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A functional microscope is the most important and most expensive piece of equipment required for smear microscopy. Global Fund monies have provided a unique opportunity to equip laboratories in low-resource countries, but these funds must be spent wisely. ⋯ International agencies should consider establishing a purchasing service to assist countries in their microscope procurement. Such a system would provide quality assurance and increased purchasing power.