[Primary prevention and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection with isoniazid: efficacy of a control program, 1997-2002]. / Prevención primaria y tratamiento de la infección tuberculosa latente con isoniacida: eficacia de un programa de control, 1997-2002.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of a specific program for the study and follow up of tuberculosis contacts. To study factors related to low adherence to treatment and to the development of liver toxicity caused by isoniazid. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 1996 and December 2002, we found 458 contacts of 79 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients uninfected by human immunodeficiency virus. The contacts were screened for tuberculosis infection and chemoprophylaxis was prescribed according to the recommendations of the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR). RESULTS: We identified 3 cases of tuberculosis among the contacts (prevalence 0.8%). Chemoprophylaxis with isoniazid was prescribed for 215 contacts. One hundred sixty-nine (79%) completed the prophylaxis protocol. The rate of adherence to treatment was lower in immigrants than in nonimmigrants (odds ratio, 3.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-11.04; P=.02). Forty-three patients (22%) developed liver toxicity during treatment, which had to be suspended in 3 cases. Duration of chemoprophylaxis was the only independent variable associated with liver toxicity (odds ratio, 3.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-13.13; P=.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of a specific program of study and follow up of tuberculosis contacts. Immigrants require tailored strategies to improve their adherence to the program. The duration of chemo-prophylaxis plays an important role in the development of liver toxicity.

[Current and future diagnostic strategies in venous thromboembolic disease]. / Estrategias diagnósticas actuales y futuras de la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa.

Thromboembolic disease (TD), which includes deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is the most common acute cardiovascular condition after ischemic cardiopathy and stroke. It is often difficult to diagnose, as it is well-known that half of PE episodes appear are recognized while the patient is still alive and which appear in 30-40% of symptomatic patients. Nonetheless, there are two well-differentiated phases in the diagnosis of TD: the suspicion, and the diagnosis. The first is very important, and is within the competence of any physician. The second can be ratified when carrying out specific tests. We have developed successive steps in the two phases of diagnosis, we critically review the distinct parts currently implicated in the strategic diagnosis of TD. Finally, we analyze the new diagnostic techniques to substitute, possibly, angiography in many cases, and perhaps to include ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) pulmonary gammagraphy, once become generally available.