Miliary tuberculosis: Epidemiologicaland clinical analysis of large-case series from moderate to low tuberculosis endemic Country.

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features, and outcome of the patients with miliary tuberculosis (TB).We retrospectively evaluated 263 patients (142 male, 121 female, mean age: 44 years, range: 16-89 years) with miliary TB. Criteria for the diagnosis of miliary TB were at least one of the followings in the presence of clinical presentation suggestive of miliary TB such as prolonged fever, night sweats, anorexia, weight loss: radiologic criterion and pathological criterion and/or microbiological criterion; pathological criterion and/or microbiological criterion.The miliary pattern was seen in 88% of the patients. Predisposing factors were found in 41% of the patients. Most frequent clinical features and laboratory findings were fever (100%), fatigue (91%), anorexia (85%), weight loss (66%), hepatomegaly (20%), splenomegaly (19%), choroid tubercules (8%), anemia (86%), pancytopenia (12%), and accelerated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (89%). Tuberculin skin test was positive in 29% of cases. Fifty percent of the patients met the criteria for fever of unknown origin. Acid-fast bacilli were demonstrated in 41% of patients (81/195), and cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were positive in 51% (148/292) of tested specimens (predominantly sputum, CSF, and bronchial lavage). Blood cultures were positive in 20% (19/97). Granulomas in tissue samples of liver, lung, and bone marrow were present in 100% (21/21), 95% (18/19), and 82% (23/28), respectively. A total of 223 patients (85%) were given a quadruple anti-TB treatment. Forty-four (17%) patients died within 1 year after diagnosis established. Age, serum albumin, presence of military pattern, presence of mental changes, and hemoglobin concentration were found as independent predictors of mortality. Fever resolved within first 21 days in the majority (90%) of the cases.Miliary infiltrates on chest X-ray should raise the possibility of miliary TB especially in countries where TB is endemic. Although biopsy of the lungs and liver may have higher yield rate of organ involvement histopathologicaly, less invasive procedures including a bone marrow biopsy and blood cultures should be preferred owing to low complication rates.

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria infection: 75 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Non-tuberculosis mycobacterium is especially seen in AIDS and non-immunosuppressant patients. This study was designed to evaluate data relating to non-tuberculosis mycobacterium content in patients' sputum for the clinical importance. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During 2009-2010 at Sureyyapasa Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital clinics, 75 patients [30 women (40%) and 45 men (69%); mean age (SD): 48.7 (15.9) years] with non-tuberculosis mycobacterium were determined by the rapid test and NAP test in Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT), which had atypical growth in 51.864 Lowenstein-Jensen. Identification was done with Hsp65PCRREA methods in 32 (43%) cases. Treatment management, radiology, bacteriology, co-morbidity, treatment outcomes were evaluated from medical records, calling patients and from tuberculosis dispensaries. RESULTS: In 9 (28%) patients Mycobacterium abscessus, in 8 (25%) patients Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), in 5 (16%) patients Mycobacterium kansasii was found with identification Hsp65PCRREA methods. In 18 (24%) of 75 cases with American Thoracic Society definition and treatment criteria, treatment was administered using major and minor drugs. Standard tuberculosis treatment was administered in 25 (33%) of the 75 cases. In 8 of 25 (32%) cases identification of non-tuberculosis mycobacterium was evident. In 32 of 75 cases follow up was performed with no treatment. One positive atypical growth culture was identified in 23 (72%) of 32 patients. Treatment was administered in 43 cases while 25 (58%) of 43 were cured, 3 (7%) of 43 were default and 3 (7%) died. Drug resistance was the outcome in 36 cases. While 31 (86%) had any drug resistance, 27 (75%) had HR drug resistance. Past history of tuberculosis treatment was evident in 20 (40%) cases. Respiratory and non-respiratory diseases were identified equally in 18 (38%) cases. Radiological consolidation in 28 (65%), and cavity in 16 (37%) cases were determined. CONCLUSION: In order to carry out the right treatment and epidemiologic evaluation, it is important to identify non-tuberculosis mycobacterium by culture methods.

A cross-sectional observational study to investigate daily symptom variability, effects of symptom on morning activities and therapeutic expectations of patients and physicians in COPD-SUNRISE study.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterized with limitation of airflow that is not completely reversible, progressive deterioration of airways and systemic inflammation. This study has been planned to determine daily symptom variability of patients, expectations of patient and physicians from treatment and patient profiles. A total of 514 patients with COPD from 25 centers were included in this national, multicenter, cross-sectional observational study. Data regarding demographic features, concomitant diseases, history and treatment of COPD and expectations of patients and physicians were all obtained in a single visit. Mean [standard deviation (SD)] age of the patients was 64.1 (9.5) years; age range was 41-92 years, 50% of the patients were younger than 65 years and 91% were males. Educational level of the patients was at least primary school in 80.2%; and 54.3% (30.4%) of the patients had at least one concomitant disease, particularly a cardiovascular disease. Mean (SD) duration of having COPD was 5.4 (4.6) years. The majority of patients were at moderate (43.2%) and severe (35.0%) COPD stages and one or more exacerbations per year was determined in 71%. Inhaled beta-2 agonists (84.2%), inhaled steroids (76.3%) and inhaled long-acting anti-cholinergics (70.0%) were the most commonly used medications. Dyspnea (99.0%), sputum production (92.8%) and wheezing (90.5%) were the most common symptoms, and symptom variability for dyspnea (41.1%), sputum production (61.0%) and cough (53.5%) were seen the most in the morning hours (p< 0.001). Most commonly affected morning activity was climbing up/down the stairs (point of effect: 6.7), followed by wearing socks/shoes (point of effect: 4.3) and showering/bathing (point of effect: 4.2) by COPD. Major treatment expectations of patients were greater symptomatic relief (82.3%) and greater mobility (70.0%), faster symptomatic relief (61.1%) and improvement in morning activities (59.3%); while major treatment expectations of physicians included increased quality of life (100.0%) and decreased morbidity (96.0%). Quitting smoking was the most commonly recommended (88.3%) and implemented (67.9%) non-drug protective approach aimed at decreasing the frequency of exacerbations. Consequently, our results demonstrate that COPD is not a disease of only the elderly, is an important healthcare issue that often disrupt daily living of the patients due to inadequate disease awareness leading to overlooking of the symptoms by patient and physicians, and that a patient-centered approach based on the living standards, life expectancies and preferences of patients was crucial in patient management.