Guidelines for the management of work-related asthma.

Work-related asthma, which includes occupational asthma and work-aggravated asthma, has become one of the most prevalent occupational lung diseases. These guidelines aim to upgrade occupational health standards, contribute importantly to transnational legal harmonisation and reduce the high socio-economic burden caused by this disorder. A systematic literature search related to five key questions was performed: diagnostics; risk factors; outcome of management options; medical screening and surveillance; controlling exposure for primary prevention. Each of the 1,329 retrieved papers was reviewed by two experts, followed by Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network grading, and formulation of statements graded according to the Royal College of General Practitioners' three-star system. Recommendations were made on the basis of the evidence-based statements, which comprise the following major evidence-based strategic points. 1) A comprehensive diagnostic approach considering the individual specific aspects is recommended. 2) Early recognition and diagnosis is necessary for timely and appropriate preventative measures. 3) A stratified medical screening strategy and surveillance programme should be applied to at-risk workers. 4) Whenever possible, removing exposure to the causative agent should be achieved, as it leads to the best health outcome. If this is not possible, reduction is the second best option, whereas respirators are of limited value. 5) Exposure elimination should be the preferred primary prevention approach.

A cross-sectional study of exposures, lung function and respiratory symptoms among aluminium cast-house workers.

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVES To investigate exposures, respiratory symptoms, lung function and exposure-response relationships among aluminium cast-house workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 182 workers. Exposure data were used to model exposure to irritants. Lung function and questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms were compared to a general population sample and an internal reference group. Blood samples were taken from 156 workers to examine total IgE, eosinophils and sensitisation to common allergens. RESULTS: Average daily mean exposure to inhalable dust, metals, hydrogen fluoride, fluoride salts and sulphur dioxide was relatively low compared to reference values. Airflow patterns in the hall were disturbed regularly and resulted in pot emissions with high concentrations of fluorides. Peak exposures to chlorine gas occurred intermittently due to production process disturbances. Workers reported significantly more respiratory symptoms (continuous trouble with breathing (prevalence ratio (PR) 2.5; 95% CI 1.2 to 5.3), repeated trouble with breathing (PR 1.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 3.0), wheezing (PR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.8), asthma attack (ever) (PR 2.8; 95% CI 1.7 to 4.6) and doctor diagnosed asthma (PR 2.6; 95% CI 1.5 to 4.4). Regression analysis showed significantly lower FEV(1) values (-195 ml) and FVC values (-142 ml) compared to a general population sample. Lung function did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: This epidemiological study suggests cast-house workers in the aluminium industry are exposed to respiratory hazards. Exposure-response relationships could not be demonstrated but this study supports preventive measures in the work environment with a focus on (peak) exposures to irritants.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by occupational exposure to phytase.

A 43-yr-old male presented with a 6-month history of episodes of coughing, shortness of breath and fever. He suffered from dyspnoea on minor exertion. The patient worked in a cattle feed factory and noticed that he had more complaints after his working hours. His symptoms could be ascribed to hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to contact with phytase, an enzyme added to cattle feed to strengthen bone and diminish phosphorus excretion. The diagnosis was supported by bibasal lung crackles on physical examination, restrictive ventilatory defect (with decreased diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide), typical radiographical findings, lymphocytosis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and a positive exposure test performed at the workplace. Blood examination showed high immunoglobulin G levels to phytase. After treatment and cessation of phytase contact the patient became symptom free and lung function normalised. Phytase should be considered as a cause of occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis in the animal feed industry.

A cross-sectional study of lung function and respiratory symptoms among chemical workers producing diacetyl for food flavourings.

OBJECTIVES: Four diacetyl workers were found to have bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Exposures, respiratory symptoms, lung function and exposure-response relationships were investigated. METHODS: 175 workers from a plant producing diacetyl between 1960 and 2003 were investigated. Exposure data were used to model diacetyl exposure. Lung function and questionnaire data on respiratory symptoms were compared to a general population sample and respiratory symptoms to an internal reference group. RESULTS: Workers were potentially exposed to acetoin, diacetyl, acetaldehyde and acetic acid. Historic diacetyl exposure ranged from 1.8 to 351 mg/m(3), and from 3 to 396 mg/m(3) for specific tasks. Diacetyl workers reported significantly more respiratory symptoms compared to the general population sample (continuous trouble with breathing (prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.6; 95% CI 1.3 to 5.1), daily cough (PR = 1.5; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.1), asthma attack (ever) (PR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.2 to 3.4), doctor diagnosed asthma (PR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.3 to 3.8) and asthma attack in the last year (PR = 4.7; 95% CI 1.9 to 11.4)) and to a minimally exposed internal reference group (ever trouble with breathing (PR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 7.0) and work-related shortness of breath in the last year (PR = 7.5; 95% CI 1.1 to 52.9)). Lung function did not differ between groups. A positive relationship between exposure and FEV(1) was found. CONCLUSION: The excess of respiratory symptoms in this retrospective cohort suggests that diacetyl production poses an occupational hazard. Limited historical exposure data did not support a quantitative individual diacetyl exposure-response relationship, but our findings suggest that preventive measures are prudent.

A cross-sectional study among detergent workers exposed to liquid detergent enzymes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate sensitisation and respiratory health among workers who produce liquid detergent products and handle liquid detergent enzymes. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study among 109 eligible workers of a detergent products plant. 108 were interviewed for respiratory and allergic symptoms and 106 blood samples were taken from them to examine sensitisation to enzymes. Those sensitised to > or = 1 enzymes were referred for clinical evaluation. Workers and representatives were interviewed to characterise exposure qualitatively and estimate exposure semi-quantitatively. Workers were classified into three exposure groups with varying exposure profiles to enzymes, based on frequency, duration, and level of exposure. RESULTS: Workers were exposed to proteases, alpha-amylase, lipase and cellulase. The highest exposures occurred in the mixing area. Liquid spills with concentrated enzyme preparations and leakage of enzymes during weighing, transportation and filling were causing workplace contaminations and subsequently leading to both dermal and inhalation exposure for workers. Workers with the highest exposures reported significantly more work-related symptoms of itching nose (prevalence ratio (PR) = 4.2, 95% CI 1.5 to 12.0) and sneezing (PR = 4.0, 95% CI 1.5 to 10.8) and marginally significant more symptoms of wheezing (PR = 2.9, 95% CI 0.9 to 8.7) compared with the least exposed group. Fifteen workers (14.2%) were sensitised to > or = 1 enzymes. A marginally statistically significant gradient in sensitisation across the exposure categories was found (p = 0.09). There was a clinical case of occupational asthma and two others with probable occupational rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: Workers exposed to liquid detergent enzymes are at risk of developing sensitisation (14%) and respiratory allergy.

Routine surgery in addition to chemotherapy for treating spinal tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is generally curable with chemotherapy, but there is controversy in the literature about the need for surgical intervention in the one to two per cent of people with tuberculosis of the spine. OBJECTIVES: To compare chemotherapy plus surgery with chemotherapy alone for treating people diagnosed with active tuberculosis of the spine. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register (October 2005), CENTRAL (The Cochrane Library 2005, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2005), EMBASE (1974 to October 2005), LILACS (1982 to October 2005), conference proceedings, and reference lists. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials with at least one year follow up that compared chemotherapy plus surgery with chemotherapy alone for treating active tuberculosis of the thoracic and/or lumbar spine. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility, methodological quality, and extracted data. We analysed data using odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. MAIN RESULTS: Two randomized controlled trials (331 participants) met the inclusion criteria. They were conducted in the 1970s and 1980s with follow-up reports available after 18 months, three years, and five years; one trial also reported 10 years follow up. Completeness of follow up varied at the different time points, with less than 80% of participants available for analysis at several time points. There was no statistically significant difference for any of the outcome measures: kyphosis angle, neurological deficit (none went on to develop this), bony fusion, absence of spinal tuberculosis, death from any cause, activity level regained, change of allocated treatment, or bone loss. Neither trial reported on pain. Of the 130 participants allocated to chemotherapy only, 12 had a neurological deficit and five needed a decompression operation. One trial suggested that an initial kyphosis angle greater than 30 degrees is likely to deteriorate, especially in children. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The two included trials had too few participants to be able to say whether routine surgery might help. Although current medication and operative techniques are now far more advanced, these results indicate that routine surgery cannot be recommended unless within the context of a large, well-conducted randomized controlled trial. Clinicians may judge that surgery may be clinically indicated in some groups of patients. Future studies need to address these topics as well as the patient's view of their disease and treatment.

[The Netherlands Expertise Center for Occupational and Respiratory Disorders]. / Nederlands Kenniscentrum Arbeid en Longaandoeningen.

In 2000 the Netherlands Expertise Centre for Occupational Respiratory Disorders (NECORD) was started as a centre of expertise in occupational health. The centre received a grant from the ministry of Health Welfare and Sport for a period of 5 years. Their mission was to collect, develop and implement knowledge in the fields of diagnosis, treatment, reintegration and prevention of work-related health- and occupational disorders. In cooperation with two other institutes for health, NECORD has become a multidisciplinary clinical occupational respiratory health service. Occupational hygienists, occupational health physicians and chest physicians are working on three programmes: research projects on the prevalence and monitoring of respiratory health effects resulting from exposure to substances in the work place; patient care (out-patient clinic); and support of professionals (website, helpdesk, development and implementation of guidelines, education and postgraduate training).

Chemotherapeutic treatment for spinal tuberculosis.

AIM: To evaluate whether 6 months of chemotherapy for patients with spinal tuberculosis prevents relapse as effectively as more than 6 months of chemotherapy. METHOD: Literature review. Medline search including references, from January 1978 to November 2000. Inclusion criteria for publications: diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis confirmed bacteriologically and/or histologically, or probable on the basis of clinical and radiological parameters; treatment regimen (whether or not in combination with surgery) included isoniazid (H), rifampicin (R) and pyrazinamide (Z); follow-up period after completion of treatment of 12 months or more. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: patients with relapse who had previously been treated adequately for tuberculosis. OUTCOME PARAMETERS: Relapse rate. RESULTS: Four publications were found with HRZ regimens of 6 months' duration and 10 publications with HRZ regimens of >6 months' duration. A number of patients had received HRE (E = ethambutol) for > or = 9 months. In the results, no distinction was made between treatment groups. HRZ for 6 months led to a relapse rate of 0% (0/56, 95%CI 0.0-6.4); follow-up after surgical intervention ranged from 6 to 108 months. HRZ for > or = 9 months (> or = 119 patients) or HRE for > or = 9 months (< or = 71 patients) led to a relapse rate of 2% (4/218, 95%CI 0.6-5.0); follow-up after surgical intervention was 6-168 months. Despite the small number of studies, 6 months of therapy is probably sufficient for patients with spinal tuberculosis.

Pyrazinamide use as a method of estimating under-reporting of tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a method of validating the notification of active tuberculosis by physicians in the Netherlands. METHOD: The chemotherapeutic agent pyrazinamide was used as a marker for the occurrence of tuberculosis. On the basis of defined daily doses (DDD) of pyrazinamide dispensed to out-patients, an estimate was made of the number of patients with tuberculosis in the Netherlands in the period 1994-1998. DDD is a technical unit of measurement and does not necessarily reflect the recommended or actual dose used. Usually it is based on the average dosage per day for the main indication in adults with normal organ function. The Dutch Drug Information Project (GIP) of the Health Care Insurance Board (CVZ) provided the DDD data. Based on the notification of tuberculosis patients to the Netherlands Tuberculosis Register (NTR) we calculated how much pyrazinamide (measured in DDDs) these patients would have used depending on their body weight. RESULTS: The number of DDDs prescribed according to the GIP pharmacy records differed by only 8% from the number of DDDs calculated on the basis of notification to the NTR; 6889 patients should have been registered instead of 6349. CONCLUSION: The close correlation between the use of pyrazinamide as measured by the GIP and NTR provides strong evidence that in the Netherlands tuberculosis is reported in conformity with the guidelines for notifiable diseases. The method was simple to apply and may deserve follow-up in other countries.

Tuberculous meningitis: is a 6-month treatment regimen sufficient?

SETTING: The British Thoracic Society and the American Thoracic Society advise 12 months treatment for tuberculous meningitis, with at least isoniazid (H), rifampicin (R) and pyrazinamide (Z). OBJECTIVE: To establish whether a 6-month treatment regimen for tuberculous meningitis is equally as effective as longer treatment. METHOD: Medline search for papers published between 1978 and 1999. INCLUSION CRITERIA: study populations of patients with tuberculous meningitis in whom the diagnosis was confirmed with clinical, cerebrospinal fluid and epidemiological findings; a treatment regimen with at least HRZ and at least 12 months of follow-up after the completion of treatment. OUTCOME MEASURE: the number of relapses. RESULTS: There were four 6-month treatment regimens (G6) and seven longer treatment regimens (G>6); 160/197 (81%) patients completed the 6-month treatment regimens, while 577/675 (85%) completed the longer-term regimens. The clinical stage of patients in the G6 group was poorer than in the G>6 group. Relapse occurred in two out of 131 (1.5%) G6 and in 0 out of 591 G>6 patients. CONCLUSION: Although no studies have compared 6-month treatment regimens with longer treatment, it can be concluded on the basis of this literature review that 6-month treatment is sufficient for tuberculous meningitis with fully susceptible mycobacteria.

Ventilatory response to positive and negative work in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In healthy subjects, oxygen consumption and cardiorespiratory responses are lower during eccentric exercise (negative work, Wneg) than during concentric exercise (positive work, Wpos) at the same work load. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ventilatory response to Wneg in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study population consisted of 12 subjects with COPD [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) mean (SD): 1.5 (0.4) 1, 46 (16)% of predicted]. Concentric and eccentric exercise tests (6 min exercise; interval > or = 1 h) were performed in random order at constant work loads of 25 and 50% of the individual maximal (positive) work capacity. Expired ventilation per minute (VE), oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2) were 30% lower during Wneg than during Wpos for both work intensities. The breathing reserve during 25% Wneg was 11 (8)% and during 50% Wneg was 18 (14)% higher than during Wpos at corresponding work loads (P < 0.01). VE/VO2 and VE/VCO2 were similar during Wpos and Wneg. Arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) increased by 0.1 (0.4) kPa during 50% Wneg and by 0.7 (0.5) kPa during 50% Wpos (P < 0.01). During 50% Wneg' perceived leg effort (modified Borg scale) tended to be higher than perceived breathlessness (2.4 (1.2) vs. 2.0 (1.1). It was concluded that in subjects with COPD, the ventilatory requirements of Wneg were considerably lower than those of Wpos at similar work loads up to 50% of maximal work capacity. During Wneg, the ventilatory reserve was higher and gas exchange was less disturbed as a result of a lower VO2 and VCO2.

Increase of bone and joint tuberculosis in The Netherlands.

There has been an increase in the incidence of bone and joint tuberculosis (BJTB) in The Netherlands and we have carried out an epidemiological study in order to find an explanation for this increase. Data from 1993 to 2000 from The Netherlands Tuberculosis Register (NTR) were used. In 1993 there was a total of 52 patients with BJTB. This figure increased gradually to 80 in 1999 before decreasing to 61 in 2000. There was a total of 12447 patients with tuberculosis; BJTB was found in 532, accounting for 4.3% of all cases and 10.6% of all extrapulmonary cases. Localisation in the spine occurred in 56%. Certain immigrants, in particular from Somalia, were more likely to have BJTB than other immigrants or the native Dutch population. Increased age and female gender were associated with BJTB. Only 15% of BJTB patients also suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis. The usual long delay in the diagnosis of BJTB may be shortened if physicians are more aware of tuberculosis.

Treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Recently the duration of treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis in The Netherlands was shortened from nine to six months. A six months regimen containing isoniazid (H), rifampicin (R) and pyrazinamid (Z) daily for two months, followed by H and R daily for another four months (2HRZ/2HR) has been proven effective for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, provided the cause is a fully susceptible strain of M. tuberculosis. Worldwide there is an increase in drug-resistant tuberculosis. Since at the start of treatment susceptibility tests often are not available, a fourth drug must be added in the intensive phase. Ethambutol is the drug preferred. This means that one always starts with 4 drugs unless the patient is a contact of an index-case with proven susceptibility and one is sure that he will be compliant or the patient is infected in the past before 1940, he received never tuberculostatic drugs and one is sure that there is no exogenous reinfection. If the patient has been treated previously and anti-tuberculosis drug resistance is likely, treatment regimens should contain at least two drugs with which he has not been treated before, while a fifth drug routinely must be added in the intensive phase. Amikacin is preferred, since there is no cross-resistance to streptomycin. Consensus on the duration of treatment for extra-pulmonary tuberculosis has not yet been reached, but basically the principles for treatment are the same. This is also true for HIV infected tuberculosis patients. In some serious clinical situations (meningitis, miliary, spine tb) duration of treatment still is 9-12 months. Early involvement of the public health nurse of the municipal health department (GGD) is necessary to ensure patient compliance and treatment supervision.

Cardio-respiratory load of exercise training in patients with severe COPD.

The effect of physical training depends on the intensity at which exercise is performed. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may not tolerate high exercise intensities during training due to breathlessness. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the cardiorespiratory load of exercise training, during pulmonary rehabilitation, in patients with severe COPD. We also studied the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on maximum exercise performance. Thirteen patients with stable COPD (FEV1 (S.D.) 1.0 (0.3) L) performed an incremental cycle exercise test at baseline and after a 10 week in-patient pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Exercise training consisted of dynamic and isometric strength training exercises, and training of specific daily life activities. Training sessions were held 5 days per week for 10 weeks. Heart rate (HR) and dyspnoea ratings (Borg scale) were measured during one session in the second or third week of training, and were compared with values obtained during incremental cycle exercise at baseline. The ventilatory load during the training was estimated by using the relationship between HR and minute ventilation (VE) during incremental cycle exercise at baseline. The duration of a training session was 80 (7) min, including periods of rest. The HR during various exercises of the training programme varied between 94 (17) and 103 (14)% of peak HR during incremental cycle exercise. Borg scores during the training varied between 2.0 and 5.7, and were lower than the Borg score at peak exercise (6.5 (2.0)). HR was more than 90% of peak HR during 36 (33) min of the whole training session, which corresponded with a VE of 81 (11)% of peak VE during incremental cycle exercise. Training significantly increased maximum work load (Wmax) from 62 (25) to 73 (21) W (P < 0.05), without any change in peak HR, VE and VO2. In patients with severe COPD, the training intensity in terms of cardio-respiratory load was high in relation to individual maximum values. Pulmonary rehabilitation, including exercise training, improved maximum exercise performance.

Eccentric exercise training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The oxygen cost of eccentric exercise is lower than that of concentric exercise at similar work-loads. In this study, the response to eccentric cycle exercise training (EET) in addition to general exercise training (GET) on exercise performance and quality of life was investigated in 24 patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). All patients had a normal resting PaO2 and an arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) below 90% at Wmax, achieved during a maximal incremental concentric cycle exercise test. The patients participated in a comprehensive inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme of 10 weeks. They were randomly assigned either to GET (GET group: mean FEV 38% predicted) or to GET and additional EET (GET/EET group: FEV1 45% predicted). During EET, the patients were able to cycle eccentrically for 15 min continuously at a mean of 160 (69%) of Wmax whereas the Borg dyspnoea score did not exceed 3.0 and SaO2 did not fall below 90%. Parameters of cardiocirculatory fitness and gas exchange improved in the GET/EET group but no further improvement in exercise capacity occurred compared to GET. It is concluded that eccentric cycle exercise is a safe and attractive training modality for patients with severe COPD and can be performed at a high intensity without the patient becoming out of breath or needing supplemental oxygen.

[CBO guideline 'Oxygen therapy at home']. / CBO-richtlijn 'Zuurstofbehandeling thuis'.

In the Netherlands, domiciliary oxygen therapy is regularly prescribed incorrectly and thus inefficiently, and the policies surrounding this therapy are inconsistent. This applies particularly to patients with chronic hypoxaemia due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In order to establish a scientific basis for a uniform prescription policy, guidelines have been developed under the auspices of the Dutch Thoracic Society with the support of the Dutch Institute for Health Care Improvement. Based on scientific research, recommendations have been formulated for the indications and aims of domiciliary oxygen therapy and long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). The most important recommendations (summarised on the back of an oxygen application form) are: domiciliary oxygen therapy is only indicated for severe hypoxaemia by day at rest; if domiciliary oxygen therapy was prescribed following recovery from an acute exacerbation or hospitalisation, the arterial oxygen tension should be rechecked within three months of starting oxygen therapy; prescription of LTOT is only justified in case of an optimal (non-)medical regimen, clinical stability, and chronic hypoxaemia, and providing a number of preconditions, such as smoking cessation (partly due to the fire hazard), have been met; LTOT is a lifelong therapy that should be prescribed for at least 15, and preferably 24, hours per day, and the oxygen flow rate settings for rest, exertion and sleep should be adjusted to meet the patient's needs; for ambulatory patients, the prescribing physician should consider the portability of the oxygen equipment; as patient education and supervision are essential to secure the success of LTOT, the prescribing physician should cooperate with the general practitioner, the district nurse and the oxygen supplier in this respect.

[Risk of tuberculosis in the inadequate handling of refugees seeking asylum]. / Risico van tuberculose bij inadequate opvang van aspirant-asielzoekers.

OBJECTIVE: To describe screening for tuberculosis in a temporary centre for refugees, and contact investigation after a patient with open tuberculosis had been identified. DESIGN: Descriptive. SETTING: Regional Communal Health Centre Nijmegen. METHOD: The refugees waiting for official status were housed on three cruise ships during the winter period November 1993 to April 1994. Ventilatory capacity was insufficient. The people had thorax radiograms after 10 days on average as a screening for tuberculosis. When abnormalities were found sputum was examined (Ziehl-Neelsen staining and culture). The workers of the centre were Mantoux-tested. RESULTS: Of the 834 persons screened 4 had open tuberculosis. Contact investigation yielded three cases of infection among 5 contacts in the first ring, and 11 cases of infection and 2 cases of tuberculosis (one infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis, the other cavernous pulmonary tuberculosis) among 215 contacts in the second ring. Fourteen of the infected persons were centre workers. The bacteria found were not resistant to tuberculostatics. CONCLUSION: Rapid transmission of tuberculosis occurred because of insufficient ventilation and a slow screening procedure. Tuberculosis in refugee centres is a serious problem that needs adequate attention.

[Examination of the mediastinum in staging of primary bronchial carcinoma]. / Onderzoek van het mediastinum bij de stadiëring van het primaire bronchuscarcinoom.

Mediastinoscopy and CT are used to evaluate the mediastinum in patients with non small cell lung cancer to determine operability. Generally, the sensitivity and negative predictive value of CT are high, in a personal study in 150 patients 86% and 92%, respectively. When CT does not reveal enlarged lymph nodes, we recommend thoracotomy without mediastinoscopy. However, micrometastases in non-enlarged lymph nodes will be missed. All positive CT scans necessitate mediastinoscopy, because enlarged lymph nodes frequently are not invaded with tumour (in our study in 33%). CT used in this way will increase the percentage of positive results of mediastinoscopy. In patients with a peripheral tumour lymphogenic spread to the mediastinum is not uncommon (in our study in 22%) and mediastinal evaluation should not be omitted. In these patients mediastinoscopy is also of diagnostic value.

[Diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous lymphadenitis of the neck]. / De diagnostiek en behandeling van halskliertuberculose.

The incidence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis is rising. The patients are predominantly immigrants and HIV-infected persons. Tuberculous lymphadenitis of the neck is the most common presentation, in the Netherlands about 200 patients a year. Fine needle aspiration with auramine/Ziehl-Neelsen stain investigation, culture and cytological examination is the diagnostic procedure of choice. If this fails to be conclusive excision biopsy is the next step. If the diagnosis is suspected on clinical, epidemiological, laboratory and bacteriological (presence of acid-fast bacilli) or cytological/histological grounds, treatment is always started, awaiting culture results. The principles for treatment are the same as for pulmonary tuberculosis. On the basis of the available literature it can be proposed to shorten the duration of treatment from 9 to 6 months.

[Shortening of therapy duration in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis from 9 to 6 months only justifiable on the basis of published data]. / Verkorting van de therapieduur bij patiënten met longtuberculose van 9 naar 6 maanden verdedigbaar op grond van gepubliceerde gegevens.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if in the Netherlands, just like in other countries, the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis with adequately sensitive tubercle bacilli may be shortened from 9 to 6 months. DESIGN: Literature study. SETTING: Municipal Health Service, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. METHOD: The relevant literature was analysed, using the percentage of recurrences as the criterion. The study was restricted to patients with pulmonary tuberculosis in whom the diagnosis had been confirmed bacteriologically and in whom a human, normally sensitive tubercle bacillus had been isolated. The treatment schedule had to include at least isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide. There were no studies with treatment of 9 months' duration. The studies with 6 months' treatment were selected on the basis of the predetermined criteria from among articles included in Medline in 1980-1991. RESULTS: The treatment schedules of 6 months' duration (n = 44) from 25 articles were suitable for analysis. Treatment for 6 months' resulted in a proportion of recurrences of tuberculosis of 2.4% (95%-confidence interval: 2.0-2.8), with follow-up periods of 12 to 94 months after discontinuation of the treatment. Addition of streptomycin or ethambutol during the initial phase, self-medication or controlled treatment, daily or intermittent treatment made no difference as regards the ultimate results. No comparison with the proportion of recurrences of 1% (0.2-2.9) after 9 month's treatment without pyranizamide was possible. A recent calculation of the number of Dutch nationals with recurrent tuberculosis resulted in a proportion of recurrences of 2.5 (1.8-3.2). The guideline adopted was that mentioned by the American Thoracic Society, a proportion of recurrences of < 5%. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the known percentages of recurrence, it could be decided in the Netherlands as well to shorten the duration of treatment from 9 to 6 months.