Auto-antibody profiles in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of a wide array of auto-antibodies in patients with tuberculosis (TB) compared with healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven consecutive patients (age 47 +/- 21 years, 29 males) with recently diagnosed active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and 39 healthy controls were enrolled. Data collected on a questionnaire included clinical features of the disease, duration of symptoms, presence of fever, cough, arthralgia, myalgia, sicca symptoms and others. Serum samples were collected from the patients' before initiating TB treatment, frozen at -20 degrees C and tested for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-ds DNA, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-Ro, anti-La, and anti-cardiolipin (ACA) (IgG and IgM). RESULTS: Rheumatic symptoms were relatively rare: arthralgia (n = 2), myalgias (n = 2), and eye (n = 1) and mouth dryness (n = 4). The TB patients' mean serum levels of anti-ds DNA, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-SSA (anti-Ro), and anti-ACA-IgM were significantly increased compared with controls (P < 0.05 for all). A significantly higher proportion of TB patients had increased pathological levels of anti-ds DNA (32% vs. 2.5%), anti-Sm (38% vs. 0%), anti-RNP (15% vs. 0%), anti-Ro (64% vs. 10%), anti-ACA-IgG (59% vs. 0%) and anti-ACA-IgM (47% vs. 7.7%) (P < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with active TB have significantly increased titres of various auto-antibodies, including highly specific serological markers, such as anti-Sm. RELEVANCE: Differential interpretation of serological studies of patients with systemic manifestations should consider the possibility of PTB.

Nifedipine in asthma. Dose-related effect on resting bronchial tone.

In order to study the dose-related effect of nifedipine on expiratory flow rates, 15 asthmatic patients were given sublingually 10 mg and 20 mg of the drug on two different days and the FVC and FEV1 were measured during 90 minutes. Then they received 2.5 mg albuterol (Salbutamol) by inhalation, and the two parameters were measured again after 30 minutes. It was found that the drug has a dose-related effect on expiratory flow rates. Indeed, 20 mg nifedipine produced a mild (less than 10 percent) but significant improvement in FVC (p less than 0.01) and FEV1 (p less than 0.05), while the response to 10 mg was mild, not significant and manifested rather by a decrease in both parameters. In three patients, the forced expiratory flow rates markedly worsened. No correlation could be established between the effect of nifedipine and the severity of the disease. In contrast, the improvement produced by albuterol was strongly related to the degree of airway obstruction (p less than 0.001). Nifedipine in both doses did not potentiate the bronchodilatation induced by albuterol.

Drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis in Israel, a society of immigrants: 1985-1994.

SETTING AND OBJECTIVES: Drug-resistant tuberculosis was uncommon in Israel until 1985, when the waves of immigration began. We studied the incidence and clinical course of resistant pulmonary tuberculosis nationwide. DESIGN: Isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis between 1985 and 1994 were surveyed. Data on 150 patients with resistance and 110 patients with drug-sensitive disease were reviewed. Ethnic origin, type of resistance, radiological findings and outcome were analysed. RESULTS: In total, 16.7% of the isolates showed resistance to at least one drug; 58% had resistance to multiple drugs. In 67% of the patients the resistance was primary. Most patients were immigrants from the former USSR and from Ethiopia; none were Israeli-born Jews. Mortality with resistance was 10%, and was highest (14%) with multiple drug resistance. Mortality among drug-resistant cases was lowest (3%) among Ethiopian Jews. Cavities and extensive disease were more common with drug resistance. CONCLUSION: Drug resistance has become relatively common in Israel due to immigration from the former USSR and Ethiopia. It is more extensive radiologically and carries a poorer outcome.

Positive anti-cyclic citrullinated proteins and rheumatoid factor during active lung tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of anti-cyclic citrullinated proteins (anti-CCP) and IgM rheumatoid factor (RF) in sera of patients with TB compared with healthy controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 47 consecutive patients with recently diagnosed active pulmonary TB and 39 healthy controls were studied. Data were collected by questionnaire on clinical features of the disease, duration of symptoms, fever, cough, arthralgia, myalgia, sicca symptoms. Serum samples were collected from patients before starting treatment for TB and frozen at -20 degrees C. Anti-CCP and IgM RF were evaluated by ELISA. RESULTS: The mean (SD) duration of TB related symptoms was 4.4 (1.7) months, 73% had fever, 94% a cough. Rheumatic symptoms were relatively rare: arthralgia (4%), myalgias (4%), eye and mouth dryness (2% and 9%, respectively). Mean (SD) levels of anti-CCP were significantly increased in patients with TB compared with controls: 44.9 (51) IU v 20 (7.3) IU (p = 0.002). Serum levels >40 U were found in 15/47 (32%) patients compared with 1/39 (2.6%) controls (p = 0.002). Mean (SD) serum levels of IgM RF were significantly increased in patients with TB: 17.8 (19) v 4.3 (5) (p<0.0001). IgM RF was positive (>6 IU) in 29/47 (62%) patients v 1/39 (2.6%) controls (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of patients with active TB have an increased titre of anti-CCP and IgM RF.

Atypical cutaneous findings in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

A previously diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus patient presented with arthralgia, skin rash and muscular weakness. When treated with high-dose corticosteroids and methotrexate she improved, except for a persistent lesion in the hand which evolved into a profound ulcer, along with tender subcutaneous nodules in the calf. A skin biopsy disclosed necrotizing vasculitis with giant cell granuloma revealing acid fast positive bacteria on ziels nilsen staining. A chest X-ray disclosed miliary tuberculosis (TB). The patient was diagnosed as miliary TB with prominent cutaneous involvement and treated with four anti-tuberculous drugs with slow resolution of her systemic, pulmonary and skin signs.