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Yield of sputum induction in the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis.

We prospectively evaluated the diagnostic yield of acid-fast bacilli smear and culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis using sputum induction (SI) in the workup of patients with suspected pleural tuberculosis (TB) who were unable to produce sputum spontaneously. Of the 113 patients studied, a final diagnosis of pleural TB was made in 84 patients (71 HIV seronegative) and a final diagnosis of another disease in 29 patients. Histopathologic examination of the pleural biopsy tissue had the highest diagnostic yield (78%; 66/84). The bacteriologic yield was 62% (52/84) for the pleural tissue, 12% (10/84) for pleural fluid, and 52% (44/84) for sputum cultures obtained by SI. The yield of SI culture for M. tuberculosis was 55% (35/64) in patients with a normal radiograph (except for the pleural effusion) and 45% (9/20) in those with evidence of parenchymal disease suggestive of pulmonary TB (p = 0.6). The yield of sputum cultures obtained by SI is high in patients suspected of having pleural TB even in those cases with no pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities on the chest radiograph.

Adolescent↗

[The clinical characteristics of pleural tuberculosis in patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus infection].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not there are differences in the characteristics of pleural tuberculosis (PT) related to whether patients are or are not infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of the medical histories of patients diagnosed of PT in our hospital between 1986 and 1993. RESULTS: We found no significant differences in the proportions of tuberculosis patients with or without HIV infection (8% versus 11%) who were diagnosed of PT. Of the 119 patients diagnosed of PT, 10% were also HIV positive. The HIV patients had more serious forms of PT, and among them there was a higher incidence of pleural discharge, more isolations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum and pleural fluid (42% and 45% versus 13% and 15%, p < 0.05), and more deaths before end of treatment (17% versus 1%, p < 0.05). The HIV patients had a lower rate of positive results in Mantoux's intradermal reaction test (17% versus 67%, p < 0.01), however, and fewer positive results for pleural biopsy (36% versus 84% positivity for granulomas, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of PT was similar for subjects with and without HIV infection in our study. In patients with both HIV and PT pleural fluid and sputum cultures are more useful diagnostic tools than pleural biopsy, and the former tests should therefore be stressed.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Combined use of the polymerase chain reaction and detection of adenosine deaminase activity on pleural fluid improves the rate of diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the combined use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity on the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis (pTB) in a region of high prevalence of tuberculosis. PATIENTS: PCR and determination of ADA activity were performed on the pleural fluid of every patient presenting with pleural effusion suspected to be associated with tuberculosis. The case definition of pTB involved parameters including the combination of clinical and radiologic findings; biochemical, microbiologic, and cytologic examination of the pleural fluid; and the histopathologic findings of pleural fragments obtained by biopsy. The diagnosis of pTB was confirmed in any patient presenting with positive culture findings of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, either on the pleural fluid or other biological material, or the presence of histopathologic findings suggestive of pTB on pleural biopsy, and also, in the absence of negative laboratory results, those patients with clinical improvement after empirical treatment. RESULTS: We studied 45 patients with pleural effusion. Of these, 16 patients met the diagnosis of pTB by our broad case definition. PCR findings were positive in six patients. The reaction was also positive in a patient whose diagnosis of tuberculosis could not be confirmed. ADA activity was considered positive in 11 patients with pTB. The combined use of PCR and ADA activity confirmed pTB in 14 patients; however, when analyzed in combination with the conventional methods, diagnosis of pTB was achieved in all 16 patients. CONCLUSION: Our results show that, even in a highly endemic area, neither PCR nor ADA activity should be relied on as a single test that substitutes for the diagnostic methods already available, but rather they should be used as an extra tool in the diagnosis of pTB. The combined analysis of PCR and ADA activity, however, is a very useful diagnostic approach to achieve a more rapid and precise diagnosis in the cases of pTB.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Cytokine polarization in miliary and pleural tuberculosis.

Cytokines were measured in patients with pleural effusion and miliary tuberculosis (TB). Patients with pleural effusion had significantly higher interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) levels (P < 0.001) in their pleural fluid as compared to that of peripheral blood of the same patients, thus exhibiting localization of predominantly Th1-type immunity in the pleural fluid. On the contrary, patients with miliary TB had higher IFN-gamma levels in the peripheral blood as compared to their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, the median IFN-gamma: IL-4 ratio in the peripheral blood of miliary TB patients was two-fold higher as compared to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, suggesting that the cytokine profile at the disease site is skewed toward a Th2-like bias. Further, flow cytometry data revealed a significantly higher (P < 0.001) percentage of CD4+ pleural fluid lymphocytes expressing IFN-gamma, whereas in the miliary TB, a nine-fold higher percentage of lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid expressed IL-4 in comparison with their peripheral CD4 T cells. Our data indicate, respectively, a Th1-like and Th2-like response in tuberculous pleural effusion and miliary TB, suggesting that these clinical forms of extrapulmonary tuberculosis probably reflect the extreme ends of a Th1-Th2 spectrum of the disease.

Adult↗

IL-18 production in human pulmonary and pleural tuberculosis.

Interleukin-18 (IL-18) has multiple important pro-inflammatory effects, including the induction of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in various diseases. In this study, we investigated the IL-18-producing activities in human pulmonary and pleural tuberculosis (TB) in response to purified protein derivative (PPD) antigen (Ag) from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The most significant IL-18 production was found in chronic refractory TB (CRTB) patients. However, IFN-gamma production in CRTB patients was significantly less than that in healthy tuberculin reactors or in patients with tuberculous pleurisy (TBP). Elevated levels of both IL-18 and IFN-gamma were found in pleural fluids from TBP patients. In vitro production of IL-18 was dramatically decreased following an 18 h stimulation with PPD. However, IFN-gamma was markedly increased in pleural mononuclear cells from TBP patients after in vitro stimulation with PPD. The mesothelial cell type was the main source of pro-IL-18 in pleural cells from TBP patients, suggesting an important role for these cells in TBP. Taken together, these data indicate that IL-18 is elevated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from CRTB patients, as well as at the site of TBP, indicating a possible role for IL-18 in both protective immunity and pathologic responses in human TB.

Cells, Cultured↗

Clinical spectrum of pulmonary and pleural tuberculosis: a report of 5,480 cases.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and radiological features of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) (with or without pleural involvement) or with pleural TB (in the absence of radiological parenchymal disease). A systematic predetermined form, including 60 items regarding the above-mentioned features, was completed for 5,480 patients. Sputum smear and culture data, radiological findings, and additional extrapulmonary involvement were evaluated in the patients with pulmonary TB (n = 5,094). Epidemiological features, and other clinical and laboratory characteristics were investigated in all patients (n = 5,480). TB was more common among persons aged 20-39 yrs, males, and those living in large urban centres in our region. There were 4,268 newly detected patients (78%), and 1,212 active ex-patients (22%) who had history of previous antituberculosis treatment. Additional extrapulmonary involvement was found in 455 patients (9%). Sputum samples were smear-positive in 3,916 (79%), and culture-positive in 3,748 cases (76%). Most common radiological patterns were parenchymal infiltrate in 5,017 (99%), and cavitation in 3,363 (66%). Unusual radiological patterns were also noted, i.e., lower lung field TB (LLFTB) in 317 cases (6.2%), pneumothorax in 78 cases (1.5%), and miliary pattern in 66 cases (1.3%). In conclusion, because of the more frequent occurrence in the younger age group, it is considered that the prevalence of disease is still high and that the transmission of tubercle bacilli is not decreasing in our region. The highest risk group consisted of male subjects and those living in urban centres. The high percentage of active ex-patients suggests that new control programmes for tuberculosis are required in Turkey.

Adult↗

[Comparative statistical study of global and local functional respiratory data in 2 groups of patients with pulmonary or pleural tuberculosis].

Two groups of patients with unilateral tuberculosis, either pulmonary (36 cases) or pleural (75 cases) were studied. The clinical and functional results were compared statistically. These two groups were similar in terms of age, sex, tobacco consumption, the radiological unilaterality of their disease and the global reduction of respiratory function (assessed by VC, FEV1, TPC and TLCO), which can be considered to be essentially due to the local disease. In both groups, the radiological image (extent of the lesion, shape of the lesion) is the only clinical factor statistically related to the functional values. The two groups differ in terms of two functional parameters which reflect different pathophysiological mechanisms in the affected lung. The group with pulmonary tuberculosis presents an obstructive ventilatory syndrome (reduction of the FEV1/VC ratio and increase in the RV/TPC ratio), which reflects the bronchial involvement in the disease. The group with pleural tuberculosis presents a pulmonary distention (increased RV/TPC ratio), which is related to disturbed transmission of the pleural pressure to ventilated alveolar zones. Secondly, in the group with pulmonary tuberculosis, the ventilation and perfusion deficits are equivalent, while in the pleural tuberculosis group, the ventilatory deficit is predominant. Thus the global reduction in ventilatory function which is the same in the two group is caused by fundamentally distinct pathophysiological mechanisms in the two groups of patients.

Adult↗

[Comparative study of acute and chronic forms of pleural tuberculosis].

To analyze whether a characteristic pattern distinguishes acute forms (symptoms starting no more than one week earlier) and subacute or chronic forms (symptoms lasting more than one week) of pleural tuberculosis (PT) in our practice. Retrospective analysis of 102 cases of PT diagnosed between 1986 and 1992, comparing the findings of case histories, imaging, pleural biochemistry and cytology, microbiology of sputum, pleural biopsy and fluid, anatomy and pathology studies of the biopsy specimens, course of disease, response to treatment and sequelae after one year and a half. Thirty-two patients (31.4%) had acute PT and 70 (68.6%) had chronic forms. LDH levels and the percentage of pleural nuclear polymorphism were higher in acute cases, while the concurrence of systemic involvement and lymphocytic predominance was more often seen in chronic cases. Other data analyzed were similar in both groups. No specific clinical or X-ray profiles or differences in course of disease and response to treatment distinguishes between acute and chronic forms of PT after 7 days. Only LDH levels and cytology results differentiated acute forms and, occasionally, such cases were indistinguishable from pneumonia-like effusion.

Acute Disease↗

Ex vivo characterization of early secretory antigenic target 6-specific T cells at sites of active disease in pleural tuberculosis.

Presence of early secretory antigenic target-6 (ESAT-6)-specific, interferon- gamma -secreting T cells in blood accurately marks tuberculosis infection. In tuberculous pleural effusions from 10 patients with tuberculosis, these cells were concentrated a mean of 15-fold (standard deviation, +/-6-fold), relative to their level in peripheral blood (P=.014), and displayed rapid effector function. Such cells were absent in 8 control patients with nontuberculous pleural disease. The recruitment of ESAT-6-specific T cells to inflamed tuberculous tissue demonstrates their function in vivo and suggests a novel way to diagnose tuberculous pleuritis.

Adult↗

Pleural fluid interferon-gamma and adenosine deaminase levels in tuberculosis pleural effusion: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Pleural fluid levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and adenosine deaminase (ADA) have been found to be high in patients with tuberculosis (TB). The present study was carried out to compare the diagnostic utility of these two markers and to carry out a cost-effectiveness analysis of performing IFN-gamma estimation in comparison to ADA. A total of 52 patients with pleural effusion, 35 of which were found to have TB etiology, were prospectively included for estimation of ADA and IFN-gamma levels. The difference in the cost of performing the two diagnostic tests was compared with the cost of the treatment for a patient with TB. Pleural fluid IFN-gamma (median [range]: 2,100 [70-14,000] vs. 3 [0-160]; P<0.001) as well as ADA levels (mean [SD]: 93.1 [62.3] vs 15.4 [8.7]; P<0.001) were significantly higher in patients with TB effusion. Even though IFN-gamma estimation was more sensitive (97.1 vs. 91.4%), the extra cost of IFN-gamma estimation for detecting one patient with TB was found to be equivalent to the cost of a complete course of antituberculosis treatment for six patients. In developing countries, where TB is rampant and cost is a major concern, pleural fluid IFN-gamma estimation does not seem to be a cost-effective investigation method for differentiating TB from non-TB pleural effusion.

Adenosine Deaminase↗

Diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis by detection of specific IgG anti-antigen 60 in serum and pleural fluid.

The objective of this study was the prospective evaluation of the IgG antibody levels to mycobacterial antigen 60 (A60) in serum and pleural fluid and their role in the diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis. The level of IgG was measured by Elisa in 30 patients with tuberculous pleuritis and 48 control subjects with pleural effusion (24 with carcinoma, 10 with transudative pleural effusion, 11 with empyema or parapneumonic effusion, 1 with pulmonary embolism and 2 due to systemic lupus erythematosus). The median titers of IgG against A60 of both serum and pleural fluid from tuberculous patients [445.6 +/- 133.56 and 263 +/- 72.58 Elisa units (EU) respectively] were significantly higher than those of corresponding median values (97.3 +/- 8.35 and 41.3 +/- 4.93 EU) of the control group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). Considering 240 units as cutoff point for a positive test in serum, the sensitivity was 53.3% and the specificity 100%. In the pleural fluid the cutoff point value was established at 150 units, with a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 100%. We concluded that Elisa using A60 is a reliable and rapid test with an acceptable sensitivity and magnificent specificity.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Pleural tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection.

SETTING: Department of internal medicine in a general hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which provides secondary care to the poor population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with pleural tuberculosis (TB) and to compare its manifestations in HIV-negative and HIV-infected patients. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Forty-three patients with a final diagnosis of pleural TB were submitted to HIV testing (ELISA), chest X-ray, and thoracentesis for biochemical, cytological and bacteriological analysis. Pleural tissue was obtained in 36 patients for histopathological examination. PPD testing was performed in 29 patients. Whenever productive cough was present, sputum acid-fast smears and culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were performed. RESULTS: The HIV prevalence was high (30%). TB symptoms were similar in both groups. Atypical radiological aspects were observed in HIV-infected patients with concurrent pulmonary TB (P = 0.03). Pleural fluid, tissue aspects and PPD testing were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: Only atypical radiographic patterns in patients with concurrent pulmonary TB were indicative of HIV infection. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is necessary for the early recognition of HIV/TB co-infection. We suggest that all patients presenting with pleural TB should be screened for anti-HIV antibodies.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

A prospective study of sensitivity and specificity of adenosine deaminase estimation in the diagnosis of tuberculosis pleural effusion.

We prospectively evaluated the usefulness of adenosine deaminase [ADA] estimation in the diagnosis of tuberculosis [TB] pleural effusion. Seventy five subjects with pleural effusion were studied. Forty eight of them had TB pleural effusion [M:F: 37:11; mean age 33 +/- 14.4 years range 17-76] and the remaining 27 had pleural effusion due to causes other than TB [non-TB group] [M:F: 19:8; mean age 47.3 +/- 16.5 years; range 17-75]. Pleural fluid [PF] ADA levels were significantly higher in TB (n=48; mean 95.8 +/- 57.5 IU/L) compared with non-TB group (n=27; mean 30.7 +/- 27.2 IU/L) [p<0.001]. Serum ADA [S-ADA] levels were also significantly higher in TB (n=45; mean 39.6 +/- 18.3 IU/L) compared with non-TB group (n=26; mean 18.0 +/- 13.7 IU/L) [p<0.001]. PF-ADA levels were higher compared to S-SDA in TB (p <0.001) and non-TB groups [p<0.01]. Using a cut off of 35 IU/L, the sensitivity and specificity of PF-ADA in the diagnosis of TB was computed to be 83.3% and 66.6% respectively. At a cut-off level of 100 IU/L, PF-ADA was found to have a sensitivity 40% and specificity 100%. From this study it is concluded that, using 100 IU/L as the cut-off, it is possible to avoid pleural biopsy to ascertain the diagnosis of TB in as much as 40% of the patients.

Adenosine Deaminase↗